The Raiders signed talented but troubled linebacker Aldon Smith to a one-year deal Friday, giving Smith a possible chance to rejuvenate his career.
Smith served a nine-game NFL suspension last year and is subject to eventual league discipline -- as well as possible jail time -- for his August arrest on DUI and hit-and-run charges, so it’s no guarantee he’ll play at all in 2015.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Smith is eligible to play Sunday, and his availability will depend on his conditioning.
The 49ers released Smith the day after the arrest, his third DUI-related arrest since 2012.
“This organization has tried very hard to help Aldon fight his issues,” a 49ers statement about Smith’s release said. “Although he is no longer a member of this team, our support and concern for him will continue.”
Interestingly, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that Smith had other at least three other teams interested in signing him. The one-year deal means Smith could be an unrestricted free agent next spring.
Smith has 44 career sacks but has played in just 18 games over the last two seasons. He was second in the NFL with 19.5 sacks in 2012.