A month after the San Francisco 49ers released him as a result of his third driving under the influence arrest, Aldon Smith is staying in the Bay Area after signing a one-year contract with the Oakland Raiders. Smith, who was arrested on DUI, vandalism and hit-and-run charges back on Aug. 7, was in wait-and-see mode with NFL pending a resolve to his case.
We still don't know when or even if the NFL will allow Smith to play this season. San Francisco released him immediately after the arrest and with the case still pending, the NFL has yet to announce a suspension for Smith. He was suspended nine games last season for violating the league's personal conduct and substance abuse policy.
It's hard to know what Smith could do for the Raiders this year without knowing how long he will be out. If he is able to suit up for Oakland, he will team up with Khalil Mack to make one of the best pass-rushing duo's in the NFL. In just 50 career games, Smith has recorded 44.5 sacks, putting him on a ridiculous career pace as a 25-year-old.
There is certainly some risk here for the Raiders as they don't know if they will have Smith for this season, but it's a calculated move. There are most certainly risks that Smith could get into legal trouble again but if he stays clean, Oakland just added one of the best defensive players in the game.
Smith choosing the Raiders over several teams but choosing Oakland over St. Louis, sticks out. It shows that Smith wanted to stay in the Bay Area and Oakland gave him that opportunity.