Eagles

Cowboys Sign Aldon Smith, Who Last Played in 2015

By Kevin Kinkead

Published: Apr 2nd, 2020 · 11:09 AM EDT

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Is this is a great comeback story or another example of the Cowboys bringing in a guy with off-field problems?

Aldon Smith is joining Dallas on a one-year deal:

Breaking: The #dallascowboys have signed former Pro Bowl LB/DE Aldon Smith to a one-year, marking the end of a 4-year absence. Clean and sober now, incredible how much he’s turned his life around. @NFLonFOX @dallascowboys

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) April 2, 2020

Smith is 30 years old and hasn’t played since 2015, when he was suspended for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Prior to that, he had another substance abuse infraction and two incidents involving DUI and other vehicle-related charges.

He was an absolute beast from 2011 to 2013, racking up a whopping 42 sacks during his first three NFL seasons. Jim Tomsula was coaching San Francisco’s defensive line back then, and is now serving the same role in Dallas, so this a reunion between player and position coach.

Smith technically has not been reinstated, but is on the right track. He’s an outside linebacker/defensive end hybrid who played OLB in a 3-4 scheme out in San Francisco. Dallas played a 4-3 under Rod Marinelli last season and is expected to run a 4-3 base again this season with new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan.

Aldon Smith posted this on Instagram Wednesday:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Life is good. I’m thankful. I’m blessed. I’m a Cowboy.

A post shared by Floyd (@aldonsmith) on Apr 1, 2020 at 6:49pm PDT