After four years away from professional football, Aldon Smith is finally making his return.
According to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports, the former 49ers standout has signed a one-year deal with the Dallas Cowboys. Smith is reportedly clean and sober after dealing with multiple substance abuse issues that derailed his promising career.
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 was the seventh overall pick by the 49ers in 2011 and burst onto the scene, making the Pro Bowl in his second season after he tallied 19.5 sacks in 16 games and 14 his rookie year. Smith was eventually released by the 49ers after multiple DUIs and suspensions. He finished with 44 sacks in 50 games with San Francisco.
Smith tried to revive his career in Oakland but the off-the-field issues continued. Smith was suspended for a year after a hit-and-run incident in 2015. Smith applied for reinstatement but it was not granted by the league. Smith is currently still in the process of applying for reinstatement.
Smith will be reunited with former defensive line coach Jim Tomsula in Dallas.
