Raiders' Darren Waller Offers to Help Aldon Smith After DE Signs with Cowboys

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller said he's willing to lend support to new Dallas Cowboys defensive end Aldon Smith as he attempts to finalize his return to the NFL.

Smith hasn't played in the NFL since 2015. He received an indefinite suspension from the league in April 2016 after an extended list of personal and legal issues dating back to 2012. He's yet to receive reinstatement despite reaching a one-year, $4 million contract agreement with Dallas.

Waller, who received a pair of suspensions for violations of the substance-abuse policy early in his career, told TMZ Sports in an interview released Friday he'd help if Smith reached out.

"I'm sure he's definitely got a program in place, people in place, but if he ever needs someone, I'm definitely available for anyone that may be struggling with anything," Waller said.

Fox Sports' Jay Glazer, who has worked with Smith as part of the Merging Vets and Players (MVP) program, said the former San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders edge-rusher is "clean and sober" and said it's "incredible how much he's turned his life around."

Waller told TMZ he thinks Smith will realize the importance of taking advantage of the opportunity.

"I feel like he can kind of relate to the same thing as me," he said. "It's like once you get that chance again, you realize how valuable it is to be a part of a team—be a part of something that's bigger than yourself."

Smith posted a statement on Instagram along with a picture of him signing paperwork.

"There is beauty in the struggle. Life will always present us with tests," he wrote. "I've learned how to take a different perspective on the adversities of life. Instead of looking at life as a victim, I have embraced the journey as God has planned it, making exponential strides towards becoming a better man."

Smith, 30, was one of the NFL's most effective edge-rushers before the long-term absence. He recorded 47.5 sacks in 59 regular-season games with the Niners and Raiders. He also tallied 180 total tackles, eight passes defended, six forced fumbles and an interception.

If his reinstatement is confirmed, he'll have the potential to team with DeMarcus Lawrence to give the Cowboys one of the most productive defensive end duos in the league.

It could take some time for him to reacclimate to game speed after missing four seasons, though.