Would Aldon Smith Be Worth The Risk? [Video]
By Ben Nielsen
It was made official last weekend the San Francisco 49ers would not be picking up the fifth-year option on Aldon Smith’s contracting, making him eligible to be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2014 season. The decision came hours after Smith was arrested for allegedly making a bomb threat at Los Angeles International Airport.
Speculation suggest Smith is almost certain to be suspended for the beginning of the NFL season because of three felony gun charges, a DUI arrest, and the airport situation. The three strikes was enough for the the 49ers to not pick up the option so it would be hard to concoct a scenario where Smith isn’t suspended.
All signs would seem to point towards Smith being a free agent next spring, which bring the Chiefs into the picture. Kansas City needs to improve their pass rush and may choose to cut Tamba Hali in order to save cap room. Justin Houston will be a free agent if he doesn’t sign an extension soon, and there is clear developmental prospect on the Chiefs’ roster.
Andy Reid has a history of giving players a second chance, with Michael Vick being the high profile individual. Smith is from Raytown, Missouri, went to college at Missouri, and would, in theory, have a stronger support group in KC than he does in California.
Given his problems with the law, obtaining Smith on the cheap is very possible and the Chiefs could structure the contract in a way to protect themselves from in case of a Smith relapse.
What do you think, Addicts? Would Smith be worth the risk or should the Chiefs focus on finding pass rush depth elsewhere?