The last time Aldon Smith was on the field, it was in 2015. As talented of a football player that he is, his struggle with legal and substance abuse has been discussed more than the impact he could on a football team. It’s been a struggle for him. I remember being on a radio show called “Five for Fighting” back in July of 2015. When I was asked about Aldon, I stated that football was secondary compared to the demons he was facing. All these years later, he’s back. The Dallas Cowboys have signed him to a one-year deal for the upcoming season.
I remember when he was drafted in 2011. The San Francisco 49ers took Aldon in the first round with the seventh overall pick. He wasn’t a starter out the gate. In the beginning, he was used as a situational pass rusher. The following year in 2012, he became a full-time starter. Aldon made a huge impact on a 49ers defense that was one of the best in the league that season. He’s a defensive end that can also play outside linebacker. The motor he’s displayed was what always grabbed my attention. He may be blocked, but Aldon still finds a way to get after the quarterback. Rushing the passer has always been his specialty. When it comes to stopping the run, he can fill in those lanes. Aldon reminds me a bit of Jevon Kearse.
Here the Cowboys are again. They’ve been notoriously known for signing players with troubling reputations. After losing Robert Quinn, Aldon Smith can give them another pass rusher on the opposite side of DeMarcus Lawrence. I hope this kid can keep his head in the game. I thought he was a top-five defensive player at one point. It’s all on him now.
