OAKLAND -- The Oakland Raiders knew the risks involved when they signed troubled but talented pass-rusher Aldon Smith two days before the season began.
The mindset inside the organization was that the Raiders could get some production out of Smith before he was suspended by the NFL for an Aug. 6 arrest on suspicion of hit-and-run, DUI and vandalism. It was his fifth arrest since 2012, and the San Francisco 49ers cut him the day following his arrest.
The Raiders decided to take a risk on Smith, despite his history. They paid the toll on Tuesday, as the NFL suspended Smith for a full calendar year. He cannot play again until November 2016, and he cannot be at the team’s facility during his suspension, either.
The Raiders got nine games and 3.5 sacks out of Smith. Oakland’s defense, however, is just as questionable as it was the day the Raiders signed Smith.
So what is next?
Under terms of his contract, Smith will lose $323,529 per game while under suspension. A source told ESPN.com Smith’s contract does not carry over; therefore, his one-year contract with the Raiders is essentially over, and he will be a free agent when he is reinstated. If Smith has any related issues, his suspension could be extended past next November.
What we do know? The 4-5 Raiders are trying to fight their way back into the playoff mix and qualify for the postseason for the first time in 13 years.
Smith wasn’t the dominant player in Oakland he was early in his career with the 49ers, where he had 42 sacks in his first 43 games. He has had just 5.5 sacks over his past 16 games. He was solid against the run much of the season and the Raiders will miss him there, but they have to hope rookie Mario Edwards Jr. continues to make strides. Linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong will likely get more playing time.
Truthfully, the Raiders hope they don’t need to sign Smith when his suspension is over. They will have to fill his spot in the offseason via the draft or free agency. The Raiders are poised to have the most salary-cap room in the NFL next year, and they will clearly earmark some of that room for a pass-rusher.
Either way, there is no way Oakland can count on Smith again. He will be just 27 years old when he returns, but he will be rusty, and the Raiders have to move on. The focus now has to be figuring out how to proceed from what was a risky, short-term move that paid average dividends.
Aldon Smith timeline
Jan. 27, 2012: Smith arrested in Miami on the charge of driving under the influence. He enters a diversion program for first-time offenders and has the charge reduced to reckless driving.
Sept. 20, 2013: Smith crashed his truck into a tree and is arrested on suspicion of DUI and marijuana possession.
He plays in a game two days later, then checks himself into an in-patient rehab program.
He sits out for five weeks and later pleads no contest to two DUI misdemeanors.
Oct. 9, 2013: Smith charged with three felony counts of illegal possession of an assault weapon after a party at his house in June 2012. He pleads no contest to weapons charges.
April 13, 2014: Smith is arrested after allegedly making a false bomb threat at Los Angeles International Airport. No charges are filed.
Aug. 30, 2014: Smith is given a nine-game suspension for violations of the NFL's substance-abuse and personal-conduct policies.
Aug. 6, 2015: Smith is arrested on suspicion of hit-and-run, DUI and vandalism. Less than 15 hours later, Smith is released by the 49ers.
Sept. 11, 2015: Raiders sign Smith to a one-year deal.
Nov. 17, 2015: The NFL suspends Smith for Aug. 6 hit-and-run, DUI and vandalism.