FRISCO, Texas – This would qualify as a reclamation project for the ages.
It's well known the Cowboys have been searching for help with their pass rush. On Wednesday night, reports surfaced that they had agreed to terms on a one-year deal for veteran pass rusher Aldon Smith.
Smith's name should sound familiar, though it hasn't been heard in quite some time. He started out this past decade as one of the most promising young pass rushers in the NFL, but a litany of off-field issues led to his indefinite suspension from the league. The 30-year-old hasn't played since 2015.
Late Wednesday evening, Smith actually posted a picture on Instagram of him signing a contract with the caption "Life is good. I'm thankful. I'm blessed. I'm a Cowboy."
Again, nothing official has come from the Cowboys, but indications have circulated from across the league landscape – including NFL Network.
Reports surfaced earlier this year that Smith was applying for reinstatement. His status remains unclear, but the Cowboys clearly have optimism that he'll get it. If that's the case, it's easy to understand why they'd want to take the chance.
Coming out of Missouri, Smith was originally selected No. 7 overall by San Francisco in the 2011 NFL Draft, and he immediately set about becoming one of the most dynamic playmakers in the league. Without starting a single game, he posted 14 sacks as a rookie. He followed that up by notching 19.5 sacks in 2012, earning first-team All-Pro honors and helping the 49ers reach Super Bowl XLVII.
