Even after things have quieted down around the NFL, the Oakland Raiders continue to be proactive in free agency.
The team reportedly has an agreement in place to retain free agent pass rusher Aldon Smith:
Raiders and Aldon Smith have agreement in place, source told ESPN. Smith was spotted at team building today, trying to finalize deal.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 4, 2016
This is some rather interesting timing for both the Raiders and their linebacker. Back in November, Smith was suspended for an entire calendar year (via NFL.com).
He can’t even think about applying for reinstatement until November 17th of this year.
Smith’s suspension stems from an incident in which he was involved in a DUI and a hit-and-run. That was the latest in a long line of off-field issues for the former San Francisco 49ers linebacker.
Remember, Smith was suspended for nine games during the 2014 season for another off-field incident.
Smith, 26, put up 28 tackles and 3.5 sacks in nine game for the Raiders last season. Overall, the former All-Pro has tallied 14 sacks in 27 games over the past three seasons after putting up 33.5 sacks in his first two NFL seasons.