One surprise cut candidate from each NFL team in 2021

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 01: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass during warmups before playing the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on November 01, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 01: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass during warmups before playing the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on November 01, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
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NFL 2021
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 26: Alex Smith #11 of the Washington Football Team looks for an open receiver under pressure from Aldon Smith #58 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half at AT&T Stadium on November 26, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

Seattle Seahawks: Aldon Smith, EDGE

One of the biggest success stories in 2020 was the return of Aldon Smith. Following several years away from the game, he was able to kick the issues that suspended him for years and play an entire campaign for the Dallas Cowboys.

When the season ended, he moved on in free agency as he signed a one-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks — who tried to trade for him at the deadline in 2020. Then almost immediately after signing with the Seahawks, he found himself in hot water as a warrant was issued for him.

"“Seattle Seahawks defensive end Aldon Smith turned himself in Tuesday night after a warrant was issued for his arrest in connection with an alleged battery in the New Orleans area, according to the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office.” — Brady Henderson, ESPN"

There’s no word on how that case will play out and it could very well turn out to be nothing — which is what we saw with Aaron Donald. But if it is, it’s unlikely Smith will play in Seattle.

Even if he is exonerated, there’s no guarantee he makes the team. Darrell Taylor, Alton Robinson, Kerry Hyder, Carlos Dunlap, L.J. Collier, and Benson Mayowa are all on the team as well, which makes it hard for any player to feel safe.