Aldon Smith to Raiders: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

Troubled linebacker Aldon Smith has found a new NFL home, agreeing to terms with the Oakland Raiders. 

Bleacher Report NFL insider Jason Cole first reported the news and noted the deal was worth up to $8 million. The team announced the news later in the day:

“Aldon is an extremely talented young player,” said Head Coach Jack Del Rio. “We welcome him to the Raiders family and expect him to bring his best every day and be a great teammate.”

“We are confident that the Raiders provide an environment where Aldon can thrive through the support, structure and leadership within the building,” said General Manager Reggie McKenzie. “We are excited to have Aldon here in the Raiders family.”

Smith's professional career has been defined as much by his off-field issues as his production on the field, but Jim Trotter of ESPN noted the pass-rusher is eligible to play this week, although the league is investigating his status.

However, despite the league investigation, Ed Werder of ESPN said Smith practiced with the team Friday, and the team plans to play him in Week 1 unless the league intervenes.

On Sept. 12, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported the Raiders have made room for Smith in the game plan, saying he will be in on "some third-down plays from nickel sets." In fact, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted he's expected to play roughly 20 snaps, according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com.

The San Francisco 49ers, who drafted him seventh overall in 2011, released the 25-year-old on August 7 after he was arrested on charges of hit and run, driving under the influence and vandalism, per ESPN.com.

On Friday, shortly after agreeing to terms with the Raiders, Smith was charged with misdemeanor charges of DUI with prior conviction, vandalism and hit and run, per KTVU.

It marked Smith's third time being arrested for a DUI, or suspicion of DU...

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