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Cowboys sign Aldon Smith despite domestic violence conviction and 4-year hiatus from NFL

The Dallas Cowboys have signed former San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders pass rusher Aldon Smith.

The signing comes despite repeated legal issues, including a conviction in a domestic violence case, for Smith, as well as a four-year hiatus from playing in an actual NFL game. Smith last played for the Raiders in the 2015 regular season.

Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer first reported the deal, which Smith later confirmed via Instagram.

Per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Cowboys are giving Smith a one-year, $2 million contract with $2 million in incentives. The deal is also reportedly pending Smith’s reinstatement from suspension.

Smith was among the best pass rushers in the NFL. He recorded 33.5 sacks and reached the Super Bowl in his first two seasons with the Niners, who took him seventh overall in the 2011 NFL draft. However, Smith would soon become a dark story.

Aldon Smith’s mountain of legal issues

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 15:  Aldon Smith #99 of the Oakland Raiders looks on during a timeout against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter of their NFL football game at O.co Coliseum on November 15, 2015 in Oakland, California.  (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Another team is taking a chance on Aldon Smith. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Here’s a rundown of the breathtaking amount of off-field issues Smith has encountered since entering the NFL:

Clearly, Smith has troubles with alcohol, and is, at most, only 10 months sober.

Cowboys take another chance on troubled DE

While it’s shocking to see any team take a chance on Smith, it’s not shocking that team is Dallas. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones clearly has an affinity for defensive ends with off-field issues.

Jones attracted widespread criticism in 2015 for signing former Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy despite a disturbing domestic violence conviction. He has also stuck by Randy Gregory despite the lineman missing 30 games due to substance abuse suspensions.

We’ll see if signing Smith works out any better for the Cowboys long-term.

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