Reflecting on Aldon Smith

By: Jake Rajala

Aldon Smith was once of the most fearless, gifted edge rushers in the NFL. Matter in fact, he had one of the best single season performances by a pass rusher ever. In 2012 – he recorded 19.5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, and 29 QB hits.

He notched a modest 8.5 sacks, 18 QB hits, and 11 tackles for loss in 11 games in 2013. All of sudden, the candle was blown out. He brought home 2 sacks, 7 QB hits, and 4 TFLs in 2014. Smith somewhat played better in 2015 by showcasing 3.5 sacks, 8 QB hits, and 4 TFLs.

Hell arrived for Aldon in 2016. He was suspended a year in 2014, received a one year suspension in 2015, applied and failed reinstatement in 2016, suspended again in 2018 for domestic violence. He didn’t play in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.

In the Top 100 players of 2013, he was voted as the 7th overall player. In 2014 – he was voted as the 33rd best overall player.

Aldon was the Johnny Manziel version on defense. He couldn’t save himself from partying and drugs. Sure, Lawrence Taylor had similar issues. However, LT could still find a way to play discipline – despite being high.

It’s sad that Aldon couldn’t play on a very high level for 4-5 years. He didn’t only have the talent to be in the 49ers ring of honor, rather he could have been a Hall of Famer. Khalil Mack has won DPOY multiple times, but he has never even had 19.5 sacks in a single season.

Aldon Smith is clearly not able to lace up the cleats at 35 years old. He hasn’t played since 2019. I’d still love to see Aldon return as a coach for edge rushers.