CONFIRMED: Dallas Cowboys Part Ways Star Defensive End Aldon Smith

Mississippi-born athlete Aldon Smith arrived in the NFL back in 2011. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers as a potential DE/OLB. The Missouri Tigers Football star earned major honors during his college career between 2008-2010. He was also compared to Denver Broncos’ great DeMarcus Ware by multiple NFL scouts.

He spent four years with the Red and Gold before moving to AFC West franchise, Oakland Raiders (Now Las Vegas Raiders). After being released by the Raiders due to concerning off-field incidents, Smith signed a one-year deal with Jerry Jones-owned Dallas Cowboys in 2020.

The 31-year old is currently a free agent ahead of the 2021 NFL season. There were hopes that he will return to Dallas this summer, but recent reports indicate otherwise.

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Aldon Smith in search of a new team ahead of the 2021 NFL season

Cowboys informed DE Aldon Smith on Tuesday they’ll be moving in a different direction, source said. Smith became an unrestricted free agent on March 17. He hopes to play somewhere in 2021. Won’t be in Dallas. @WerderEdESPN first reported.

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) March 24, 2021

It was no secret that coach Mike McCarthy was displeased by the performance of his defense over the course of the 2020 NFL season. The Cowboys finished third in the NFC East with a 6-10 record. This was McCarthy’s debut season as a head coach in Texas.

The likes of DeMarcus Lawrence, Trevon Diggs, and Aldon Smith, lacked cohesion as the Cowboys fail to nail a playoff spot last season. Both parties will part ways this summer in search of better alternatives ahead of the 2021 NFL season.

Here’s a short recap of Smith’s career thus far, including his time with the San Francisco 49ers.

As a result, Smith will join the below list of top-level edge rushers currently on the free agency market. As per Pro Football Focus, he had just 5 sacks but 50 total pressures and 35 hurries in 2020.

One highlight from the past season for Smith was the Week 14 touchdown he scored against the Cincinnati Bengals. He recovered a fumble lost by RB Trayveon Williams and returned it for a 78-yard touchdown during the Cowboys’ 30–7 win.

There is actually a lot of value at the EDGE position in free agency right now if you are looking for a rotational DE:

– Jadeveon Clowney
– Melvin Ingram
– Carlos Dunlap
– Aldon Smith
– Justin Houston
– Ryan Kerrigan
– Everson Griffen
– Kerry Hyder
– Adrian Clayborn

— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) March 23, 2021

The experienced NFL star could prove to be the steal of this summer’s free agency market. His off-field issues will clearly be a cause for concern. But handing him a short-term deal could benefit all parties involved.

Where do you think this talented defensive end will land in 2021? Tell us in the comments below.

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