Raiders decide to cut Smith

The Oakland Raiders released pass rusher Aldon Smith on Monday after his latest run-in with the law.

The Raiders retained Smith’s contractual rights even as he spent the past two seasons on the NFL’s suspended list. But the team decided finally to cut ties one day after San Francisco police said authorities were searching for Smith in connection with a domestic violence allegation.

Sgt. Michael Andraychak said someone called 911 to report a domestic violence incident against Smith at about 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Smith fled the San Francisco home before officers arrived. Andraychak said the victim’s injuries were not life-threatening.

Smith has been on the suspended list since November 2015 for violating the NFL’s policy on substance abuse. The Raiders had signed Smith to a twoyear contract before the 2016 season, but he never was cleared by the league to be able to return from suspension.

Smith was one of the league’s top pass rushers before off-field problems derailed his career. He set an NFL record with 331⁄2 sacks his first two seasons after being drafted in the first round by the 49ers in 2011.

Cowboys tag Lawrence: The Dallas Cowboys have placed the franchise tag on DeMarcus Lawrence, guaranteeing the Pro Bowl defensive end $17.5 million in 2018, a person with knowledge of the decision said.

The Cowboys had until Tuesday to put the tag on Lawrence, who can still sign a long-term deal with the club that traded up him to get him early in the second round in 2014.

Lawrence tied all-pro Calais Campbell of Jacksonville for second in the NFL with 141⁄2 sacks last season. The 25-year-old’s breakout year came after he struggled with injuries most of his first three seasons. He had back surgery each of the previous two off-seasons.

On the one-year contract, Lawrence’s salary would be the average of the NFL’s five highest-paid defensive ends.

Cromartie retires: Veteran cornerback Antonio Cromartie announced his retirement after 11 seasons in the NFL.