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:

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“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.”

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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.

Tony Avelar/Associated Press

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 DUI, since January 2012. In 2013, he missed five games after voluntarily checking himself into a treatment facility.

Smith received a nine-game suspension to start the 2014 season for violations of the NFL's policies on personal conduct and substance abuse.

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com dispelled any notion the deal could not be completed because of his previous off-field issues, saying Smith was eligible to sign and that the league and law enforcement were "sorting out whether he'll be suspended and how long."

ESPN's Field Yates observed it could be a while before we see Smith on the field, but his potential partnership with Khalil Mack could be mouthwatering:

Smith's NFL career thus far can be divided into two halves—before and after the off-field problems began:

His raw talent is undeniable, but his inability to stay clean away from football has become alarming.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported after the 49ers released Smith that other NFL general managers were reluctant to make a move:

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Touched base with few GMs - some have taken risks with players - and none seemed ready to pounce on Aldon Smith. NFL investigating incident

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) August 7, 2015"

Smith isn't a player teams can depend on anymore. But he's still at an age where a franchise may believe it can help him turn things around, especially since he has a history of performing well on the field. Talent is something some teams won't pass on.

Smith had an opportunity to succeed in San Francisco but didn't make it work. Now, perhaps staring at his last chance in the NFL, he can make a fresh start and prove he can stay away from the things that have left him with so many red flags.