Written by Jerry McDonald at San Mercury News
Aldon Smith has signed a contract that will keep him with the Raiders after his one-year suspension from the NFL is completed.
Smith was suspended in November for violating the NFL’s policy on substance abuse and won’t be able to play until this November at the earliest. But the Raiders announced in a news release Monday that the outside linebacker had signed a contract.
Terms were not disclosed, but FoxSports reported that it’s a two-year, $11 million deal worth a maximum of $19.5 million if he hits incentives.
There were no comments from Smith, general manager Reggie McKenzie or coach Jack Del Rio. Smith is not expected to be made available for comment.
The move doesn’t come as a surprise, given that McKenzie and Del Rio have been consistent in their public stance on bringing back Smith. Smith, after an arrest on suspicion of DUI, reckless driving and vandalism in August, was released by the 49ers and signed with the Raiders in September.
In nine games with seven starts, Smith had 31/2 sacks after a slow start after missing all of training camp.
Smith’s suspension came after the latest in a series of run-ins with the law involving the 49ers’ 2011 first-round pick. He cannot apply for reinstatement until 60 days before the year is up, and then his case will be reviewed by the NFL.
Smith must comply with all terms of the NFL policy until that time and could be denied reinstatement or at worst banned for an even longer period. At the time of his suspension, Smith said through a statement he wanted to return to the Raiders.
At the NFL owners meetings last month, McKenzie and Del Rio said they wanted Smith to work on straightening out his life before entering into a contract agreement.
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