Dallas Cowboys defensive end Aldon Smith has been one of the few bright spots for the Cowboys in 2020.
Because of that, there was uncertainty as to whether the Cowboys would trade him prior to the November 3 trade deadline.
But November 3 came and went, and Aldon Smith is still wearing the silver and blue.
Cowboys VP Stephen Jones when asked on @1053thefan about not trading Aldon Smith to Seattle: “I think we’re in this to still fight (in the NFC East). … We just have to stay the course here.” Doesn’t sound like the Cowboys will be sellers before tomorrow’s trade deadline
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) November 2, 2020
If Aldon Smith is not a recognizable name, it is because he is the 2011 1st round draft pick (7th overall) and has been out of the game more than he’s been in it.
He appreciates the Cowboys for giving him another chance.
“I’m extremely grateful for the Cowboys giving me a chance. I mean, I appreciate that. I’m not thinking about next season. I really just want to — I want to win. I want to keep getting better every week, and I want to keep getting better every week.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that the Seattle Seahawks expressed interest in Aldon Smith but were shut down.
From @gmfb Weekend: The #Cowboys have parted ways with a few defensive players but one guy they refused to trade when teams called recently was Aldon Smith, whose career resurgence should eventually lead to a longer-term deal with Dallas. pic.twitter.com/eMiiaOlrAn
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 31, 2020
How The Cowboys Landed Smith
On April 2, 2020, the Cowboys signed Aldon Smith to a 1-year contract for $2 million dollars.
That was significant because Smith had been indefinitely suspended from the NFL since 2015 and was awaiting reinstatement when the contract was signed.
It was not the first time Smith applied for reinstatement so it certainly wasn’t a given that he would be granted it.
He applied in 2016 when he rejoined the Raiders, but it was not granted to him.
Who Is Aldon Smith?
Aldon Smith graduated from Raytown High School in Missouri but stayed in state to play college football for the Missouri Tigers.
He only played two years for Missouri before declaring for the 2011 NFL Draft.
2011-2014: The 49ers Years
The San Francisco 49ers drafted him, and his rookie year was stellar.
37 tackles and 14 sacks were among his accomplishments, and he wasn’t even the starting DE when the season began.
Most sacks in a season by a #49ers rookie:
• Aldon Smith (2011): 14
• Charles Haley (1986): 12
• Dana Stubblefield (1993) 10.5
• Nick Bosa (2019) 9 pic.twitter.com/FeL2C4MotR— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) May 5, 2020
He was named 2011 as Defensive Rookie of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America.
His first career sack was on Michael Vick of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Smith continued his success through the 2012 season notching 66 tackles and 19.5 sacks.
A car accident on September 20, 2013, put his football career on hold.
Smith was arrested for driving under the influence and possession of marijuana; he left the game to seek treatment.
Though he rejoined the team and finished the season, he started 2014 by serving a 9 game substance-abuse suspension.
2015 – 2017: The Raiders Years
The 49ers released Smith in August 2015 after another DUI arrest.
He was signed by the Raiders and played until November 2015 when the NFL served him with a 1 year suspension.
Smith was not reinstated and subsequently was released by the Raiders after an alleged domestic violence incident.
2020: Dallas Cowboys
Aldon Smith comes back to the game with renewed purpose and gratitude.
He has 22 tackles through 8 games but is currently dealing with a knee injury that has limited his practice in preparation for the Cowboys Week 9 game against the Steelers on Sunday.
It seems like Aldon Smith has found a home with the Cowboys.
NEXT: Mike Tomlin Throws Shade At Cowboys QB's Ahead Of Matchup