The Cowboys took a chance on Aldon Smith this offseason and, so far, it’s paid off. After resisting trade inquiries earlier this month, owner Jerry Jones confirmed that he’s interested in extending their arrangement.
“The idea here is that Aldon is getting better,” Jones told 105.3 The Fan (via Patrik Walker of CBSSports.com). “He’s a bigger man than he was when he played earlier in his career. But that has a lot of positives to it, too. But every time he’s stepping out there, he’s gaining on it, and that’s interesting to be at this stage of his career. But he’s an absolute unique in every way pressure player. We want to maximize our relationship with him. We’ve all got a good one with him. Proud of him. Proud for him. Proud that he’s given himself this chance, and we’re going to help him do it. So, as I’ve said earlier, I’m a fan of his.”
Smith’s one-year deal — which caps out at $4MM — proved to be a solid bargain. After four years away from the game, Smith has managed five sacks across nine games. He only figures to add to his career total of 52.5 sacks from here, and he figures to do it at a rate to match his production.
At the bargaining table, Jones & Co. will politely point to Smith’s age in order to tamp down the price. In turn, the 31-year-old’s camp will probably note his relatively low odometer — his off-the-field trouble arguably means that he has less wear-and-tear than your average vet. Those negotiations will be interesting to watch, especially since the Cowboys will be prioritizing a new deal for Dak Prescott.
6 years 15 million
5 million for the next years 5×6=30
That’s not going to do it…
You guys are crazy. He’ll get a 3yr $7-8M/per deal from someone. At least.
Yeah, if you think a pass rusher with Aldon’s upside is only getting 5mil a year, you’ve done gone and bumped your head.
His problems in the past and his age will almost certainly keep him from any kind of mega deal; however, he will still get offered plenty of opportunities to continue his career solely based off his performance this season.
Not to mention, alot of teams will be thinking that Aldon will actually continue to get better. That’s the case especially with a full off-season, and the fact theyll figure he was knocking off alot of rust last season.
I could easily see Aldon getting a few offers in the 2yr 16-18mil range, and I am sure he will also get offered a couple of 3-4 year deals. Still though, I think Aldon might end up taking the higher AAV deal that will only have a year or two attached to it, just that way he can re-enter the market one more time.
It’s going to be really interesting to see the next type of deal Aldon signs, but I feel like he is still going to get at least one more sizable deal. Before all his legal troubles and substance abuse issues, Aldon Smith put the fear of God into opposing team’s OCs and QBs. He was originally sacking QBs at an historic pace, but if he can continue averaging 8-10 sacks a year, when it’s all said and done, I think he has still got a chance to at least somewhat come close to matching his once so promising potential..
One thing is for sure though, at 31, with 4 years away from the game, with the fact he has recommitted hisself to fully taking care of his body, and with the fact he’s as strong as ever, we will see Aldon Smith for at least another 4-5 seasons. He could potentially be in the prime of his career, and if he continues knocking off the rust and regaining some of his speed, the league better watch out!! And I promise you, unlike before with Aldon, this IS NOT just a threat!! lol
Remembering Aldon’s rookie season, which he still put up somewhere around 14 sacks in limited duties, got me to look back over that year’s 49ers squad.
What was crazy was just how amazing that 49ers defense used to be once they added Aldon Smith in 2011..I mean, they were pretty good defensively before, but once they added Aldon, that 2011 squad as a whole was just different. Since 2000, froma talent standpoint, this 2011 49ers squad, it was one of the top 5 D/ST assembled. I’d put them right up there with some of those Steelers defenses, those Ravens nasty units, those TB Sapp, Lynch, and Brooks led squads, etc.
That 2011 season saw the 49ers defense that featured Aldon and Justin Smith, Patrick Willis and Navarro Bowman manning the middle, Whitner and Goldson holding down the back end of their defense, Carlos Rogers, T.Brown, T.Brock, S.Spencer, and C.Culliver were locking down the boundaries, and they still had three more very underrated, above average, starters in LDE Ray McDonald, LOLB Ahmad Brooks, and ROLB Paris Haralson..Plus, this 2011 roster had even more quality depth along their line in starting NT Isaac Sopoaga, DT Ian Williams, and DT/DE Ricky Jean-Francois..
Heck, that 2011 squad was even filled with multiple pro-bowlers on Special Teams!! lol
They had David “Green” Akers at Kicker, all-world Punter in Andy Lee, Long Snapping extraordinaire in Brian Jennings, and Special Teams Aces and a couple former ST pro-bowlers in CJ Spillman, Tavares Gooden, Blake Costanzo, Larry Grant, and Colin Jones…
Ehhh…what could have and should have been…lol
Aldon has been the best feel good story of a very trying NFL season. Deserves a nice salary bump and comeback player of the year honors.