Aldon Smith Contract: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation on 49ers LB

Star pass-rusher Aldon Smith's tenure with the San Francisco 49ers has been tumultuous, to say the least, but there may still be a future for the troubled linebacker in the Bay Area.

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Niners GM Interested in Re-Signing Smith

Wednesday, Aug. 5

Although there have been times over the past two seasons when it seemed as though the 49ers were poised to move on from Smith, general manager Trent Baalke has a different viewpoint as the former Missouri standout enters the final year of his contract.

According to ESPN.com's Paul Gutierrez, Baalke is hopeful that he can eventually work out a deal with the one-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro selection.

"He's in his contract year," Baalke said. "He's poised to have a very good year. We expect him to have a very good year. I think he expects himself to have a very good year. We're going to work hard to make sure that he remains here."

Smith registered a total of 33.5 sacks over his first two seasons in the NFL, but he hit choppy waters in 2013. The impressive athlete missed five games two seasons ago after checking himself into rehab, and he was suspended for nine games in 2014 for violating the substance abuse and personal conduct policies.

Despite his past issues, Baalke is bullish with regard to Smith's prospects in 2015 and beyond, per Gutierrez:

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Aldon's like any young player. He's growing up, he's maturing. You see that with a lot of these guys. Some of them get themselves in a few more situations that you wish they didn't ... (but I'm) really pleased with the way he's handled things, the way he's working both personally and professionally. I think he's doing an outstanding job. He's always been a great teammate. He's always had an excellent work ethic. Those are things he's even stepped up.

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Smith got back into the swing of things somewhat slowly last season, as he had just two sacks in seven contests, but he believes he is in fine form entering 2015, according to Joe Fann of 49ers.com:

He has clearly made an impression on his teammates as well since offensive tackle Joe Staley paid him the ultimate compliment:

Smith must return to his 2011 and 2012 form to prove that he is among the best linebackers in the league, and if he is able to do that, then he will get paid significantly, whether its by the 49ers or not.

Signing Smith to a large contract would carry plenty of risk considering his past off-field issues,  but it is a risk the Niners may be forced to take. They lost linebackers Patrick Willis and Chris Borland to retirement and Dan Skuta to free agency, which means they are extremely light at the position currently.

Smith has proved to be a dominant game-changer when healthy and in a positive mental state, and if he gets back to that level in 2015, then it may be very tough for Baalke to let him walk. 

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