Aldon Smith gets reinstated, cleared to join the Cowboys
Former 49ers pro bowl rusher Aldon Smith will be able to take part in team activities with the Dallas Cowboys after the NFL on Wednesday conditionally reinstated the pass rusher from an indefinite suspension for off-field issues.
Smith, who hasn’t played in the NFL since a nine-game stint with the Raiders in 2015, will be able to participate in the Cowboys’ virtual offseason program starting next week. He can also meet with teammates and coaches.
The Cowboys, who lost sacks leader Robert Quinn in free agency, signed Smith to a one-year contract last month despite his uncertain playing status.
Smith, 30, was reinstated after meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on a video teleconference last week. He had been placed on an indefinite suspension after repeated violations of the substance policy and personal conduct policy.
He was first suspended with the 49ers in 2014 before receiving a one-year ban in November 2015 with the Raiders. Smith applied for reinstatement to the NFL in 2016, but that decision was initially deferred. Oakland retained Smith’s contractual rights before releasing him in 2018 after San Francisco police issued a warrant for his arrest in a domestic violence case.
Smith was drafted seventh overall by the 49ers in 2011 and had 14 sacks as a rookie. He was an All-Pro in 2012 when he had 19 1/2 sacks and the 49ers reached the Super Bowl.
He had 44 sacks in 50 games during his first four NFL seasons in San Francisco with defensive line coach Jim Tomsula, now on the Cowboys staff for new head coach Mike McCarthy.
Smith and McCarthy met in January at Fox Sports NFL analyst Jay Glazer’s Unbreakable gym in Los Angeles.
“When we met, it seemed like we had known each other,” Smith said of McCarthy’s visit, via an interview with Glazer. “I wanted to surround myself with people who I felt that connection with. I felt like he genuinely cares about me and what I’m trying to do. Just me as a man.
“That obviously played a vital role. And Jimmy is there. The pieces fit.”
The Cowboys gave Smith a one-year deal worth as much as $4 million if he hit all his incentives. His contract was contingent on being reinstated.
Smith will receive $90,000 for being reinstated and will receive $100,000 when he shows up to training camp.