Former Mizzou, Raytown High star Aldon Smith expected to sign with Dallas Cowboys
Former Missouri Tigers and Raytown High football star Aldon Smith is set to return to the NFL after a four-year hiatus brought on by substance abuse and multiple run-ins with the law.
Smith, a 30-year-old defensive end, will be signing with the Dallas Cowboys, according to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports, who was first to report the news. Smith hasn’t played in the NFL since 2015, when he was with the Oakland Raiders.
The deal is for one year and as much as $4 million, the Dallas Morning News reported. Smith applied for reinstatement to the league in mid-March, and it’s expected that request will be granted. His contract would activate once he re-enters the league, according to the Morning News.
After playing for Gary Pinkel and Mizzou from 2008-10, Smith elected to make himself eligible for the 2011 NFL Draft. He was selected No. 7 overall by the San Francisco 49ers.
Smith was an instant difference-maker in San Francisco, racking up 14 sacks in his rookie year. He had an even better season in 2012, when he made the Pro Bowl and earned first-team All-Pro recognition. Smith collected 19.5 sacks that year while leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl.
But it’s been a rocky road for Smith ever since, one marred by substance abuse issues and arrests. He missed parts of the 2013 season after checking into rehab and was issued a nine-game suspension during the 2014 season for violating the NFL’s substance abuse and personal conduct policies.
Smith signed with the Oakland Raiders before the 2015 season. While he played in nine games that year, the NFL later handed down a one-year suspension after he was arrested for DUI and hit-and-run. He later pleaded no contest to the hit-and-run, and the DUI charge was dropped.
Since then, Smith has missed four full seasons. After another arrest, the Raiders officially released him in March 2018.
He turns 31 in September.
This story was originally published April 1, 2020 at 9:23 PM.