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Cowboys' Mike McCarthy: Aldon Smith Could Still Re-Sign in FA Despite Rumors
March 25, 2021
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy hasn't closed the door on bringing back veteran pass-rusher Aldon Smith.
Speaking with reporters Thursday, McCarthy described the situation as "fluid" and speculated Smith could return if he continues to remain unsigned and becomes willing to accept a minimum contract.
His comments come a day after ESPN's Ed Werder reported the Cowboys told Smith they "decided to move on."
Smith returned to the field in 2020 after being suspended by the NFL in 2015 for violating the personal conduct policy and policy on substances of abuse following his arrest on hit-and-run and DUI charges. He appeared in every game, finishing with 47 tackles and five sacks. He also returned a fumble for a touchdown in Dallas' Week 14 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Mike Fisher of Sports Illustrated reported Monday "Smith is involved with 'issues' that are at least temporarily sidetracking the continuation of his comeback."
The Cowboys signed Tarell Basham to provide depth off the edge. Basham collected 5.5 sacks over the past two years with the New York Jets.
Randy Gregory is also coming back and counts for a modest $2 million against the salary cap in 2021. Gregory has 10.5 sacks in 38 career games with Dallas.
Proven pass-rushers are a coveted commodity. Carl Lawson has registered just 14 starts in four years and collected a three-year, $45 million deal from the New York Jets thanks to his 20 sacks to date.
Because of that, it's somewhat surprising Smith remains available. If the offseason continues to drag on without him getting another contract in place, perhaps a Cowboys reunion won't be out of the question since he wouldn't be in a position to command a high price tag.