Detroit Lions: 3 Dallas Cowboys’ players to trade for at the deadline

Edge: Aldon Smith

The Detroit Lions should entertain bringing in Aldon Smith. This widely talented edge-rusher earned himself another opportunity with the Dallas Cowboys and has made the best of it thus far.

Smith had been initially drafted seventh overall by the San Francisco 49ers back in 2011.  Smith burst onto the scene, recording a record 32.5 sacks over his first two NFL seasons.  Entering the 2020 season, Smith ranked fourth in NFL history, averaging just shy of 13 sacks per 16 games; that behind J.J. Watt, Chandler Jones, and Reggie White.

This season with the Cowboys, Smith has recorded four sacks and 30 tackles.  According to PFF, the veteran edge rusher has earned an overall grade of 70.8, along with a 74.4 pass-rush mark.  He’s earned 26 total pressures and created 16 quarterback hurries.

The Detroit Lions could greatly benefit from adding a dynamic pass-rushing threat like Smith.  He’s a bonafide sack machine that can create havoc in the backfield.

Here’s the bad news.

Aldon has quite the rap sheet that has been outlined below by ESPN;

"Jan. 27, 2012: Five days after the 49ers lost the NFC title game to the New York Giants, Smith was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in Miami Beach, Florida. Sept. 20, 2013: Smith was arrested on suspicion of DUI after crashing his truck into a tree in a residential neighborhood in San Jose, California. Smith checked into rehab and misses the 49ers’ next five games before returning Nov. 10. Oct. 29, 2013: Smith turned himself in on three felony counts of possessing illegal assault weapons after a 2012 party at his house in which investigators said several shots were fired, two partygoers were injured and Smith was stabbed. April 13, 2014: Smith was arrested on suspicion of making false bomb threats at Los Angeles International Airport. Charges were not filed. Aug. 30, 2014: Smith was given a nine-game suspension by the NFL for violations of the league’s personal-conduct policy and substance-abuse policy. Aug. 6, 2015: Smith was arrested on hit-and-run, DUI, and vandalism charges on the 49ers’ first off day of training camp. Aug. 7, 2015: Smith was released by the 49ers following that third arrest involving DUI. Nov. 17, 2015: Smith, at this time with the then Oakland Raiders, was suspended by the NFL for a year for violating the NFL policy and program for substances of abuse, stemming from the August incident. Nov. 17, 2016: Smith’s “year” suspension remained in effect and was considered an “indefinite” punishment. March 6, 2018: Smith turned himself into the San Francisco police and was booked on domestic violence-related charges."

Smith later mentioned alcohol as being the root of his issues.  He’s since sought help, and he’s been sober for nearly a year.  In the past, he’s mentioned that at the time he burst onto the scene, he was far too immature for stardom.

Now at 31-years old, a much more mature Smith is worth taking a chance on.  Smith signed a one-year deal worth $2-million.  He’d cost the Lions virtually nothing for the remainder of the season, and the team should be able to land his services for a mid-to-late round draft pick or perhaps a future mid-rounder.