Raiders’ general manager, Reggie McKenzie, gambled on Aldon Smith just days before the season opener and if his comments today were any indication, he could be doing it again soon. According to the San Francisco Chronicle‘s Vic Tafur, the Raiders hope to sign Smith long term.
McKenzie said they did a lot of research on Aldon Smith before letting "him become member of our family." The plan is to sign him long-term
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) October 27, 2015
Smith signed a one-year deal with the Raiders (worth up to $8 million) in September and will be a free agent after the season. While he could seek a long-term deal outside of Oakland, Smith seems happy with the Raiders and there is no provision in his contract prohibiting the Raiders from using the franchise tag. According to NFL cap expert, Joel Corry, placing the franchise tag on Smith after the season would cost the Raiders approximately $14 million.
Smith turned 26 in September and has been a solid bookend to Khalil Mack on an improving Raiders’ defense. McKenzie added that Smith’s relatively low sack total (1.5) isn’t concerning and said he’s confident “the explosive plays are going come.”
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