Aldon Smith Can’t Be An Option For Oakland Raiders

By Jonathan George | Aug 8, 2015

After outside linebacker Aldon Smith was arrested for several offenses Thursday evening, and subsequently released by the San Francisco 49ers, it didn’t take long for speculation to begin on where Smith might end up in terms of his NFL future. That speculation, while very premature, is warranted based on his talent and the fact that several teams, including the Oakland Raiders, could use a player of Smith’s on the field abilities.

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To be honest, if and where Smith plays again is something that should be the last thing he or anyone that’s a fan of his should be worried about right now; Smith’s long-term overall well-being should be the priority for him, as his decisions in recent months have been questionable at best.

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Smith is a very talented but often in trouble outside linebacker that exploded onto the scene a few years ago for San Francisco and drew comparisons to some of the best young pass rushers in the league. Unfortunately, he brings too many off the field distractions with him, and that is exactly why the Raiders can’t even look at the possibility of Smith donning the silver and black anytime soon.

The bottom line is this: Smith can’t be trusted with the responsibility that goes along with being an NFL player right now.

Sure, there is no doubt that in a vacuum Smith could be a difference maker for Oakland, or just about any other team he might play for. The Raiders were desperate for pass rushing pressure in 2014. The Raiders were tied for 30th in the league in sacks last season. They did see some bright spots in the growth of Khalil Mack and the veteran presence of Justin Tuck, but 22 total sacks in today’s pass happy NFL flat-out won’t cut it in 2015.

Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) leaves the field against the Denver Broncos in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 47-14. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

When looking at Smith’s past seasons in the NFL it might be tempting to take a risk on him; 19.5 sacks two years ago after a 14 sack performance in his rookie season is enough for any GM to raise an eyebrow. Smith had more sacks in 2013 in 11 games than any Oakland Raiders player last season in 16 games. He is a physical force that also has the pass rushing moves and speed to get to the quarterback in multiple ways.

In the end, however, the risk of Smith continuing to have issues off of the field cancels out any potential of him making a difference on the field. While Smith still awaits his fate from his latest incident in the courtroom, the suspension that Roger Goodell could slap on him after his criminal case is adjudicated might prevent Smith from playing for anyone any time soon anyway. Per ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez, he already missed games in 2014 due to substance abuse issues.

May 19, 2015; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders coach Jack Del Rio at organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The bottom line is this: Smith can’t be trusted with the responsibility that goes along with being an NFL player right now.

Head coach Jack Del Rio has been busy and is looking to instill a new sense of confidence, accountability, and discipline on the Raiders. He has a lot of young talent on the team that is very impressionable; even if they could find a way to fit Smith into the scheme they want to run on defense, Smith’s attitude is not what Oakland needs right now as they try to get focused on turning the franchise around and making it a winner again.

Aldon Smith’s troubles are long from being gone in many ways, but regardless of what happens to him and his NFL future, the Oakland Raiders can’t factor into it in any way.

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