Jacksonville Jaguars signing DE Aldon Smith doesn’t involve high risk

The Jacksonville Jaguars went into free agency looking to solidify their defensive line. They accomplished their goal by signing defensive ends Roy Robertson-Harris and Jihad Ward and trading for defensive tackle Malcom Brown. While their defensive front looks better than it did a few weeks ago, the Jags should keep adding talent to the unit. Defensive end Aldon Smith, who is available, might be worth a flyer.

The Dallas Cowboys have informed Smith that they won’t bring him back in 2021, per Ed Warner of ESPN. The 2011 first-round pick joined the Cowboys last season and appeared in all 16 games and logged 48 total tackles and five sacks after missing four full seasons due to suspensions related to the NFL’s substance abuse policy.

Early in his career, Smith was one of the most dominant defenders in the whole league. Over a three-year span, he registered 100 total tackles, 42 tackles for a loss, 42 sacks, five passes defensed and six forced fumbles. While he’s not the difference-maker he was early in his career, he showed in 2020 that he still has some gas left in the tank and can be effective in a rotational role.

Aldon Smith could give the Jacksonville Jaguars’ pass rush a boost.

The Jags still have around $43 million in cap space, so they can make a few more signings if they wish, and adding Smith wouldn’t be cost-prohibitive. Last season, the Missouri product signed a $2 million deal and Jacksonville could offer him a similar contract. While there’s a chance Smith gets suspended again, the Cowboys were happy with him last year and owner Jerry Jones even said he was proud of him, so it looks like he’s on the right path.

Also, there’s a chance Smith plays better. He started the 2020 season strong but faded down the stretch. It’s possible that he was out of shape after being away from football for so long. Moreover, he wouldn’t have to be Jaguars’ main pass-rusher. With Josh Allen and K’Lavon Chaisson on the roster, Smith would be part of Jacksonville’s defensive line rotation, which could enhance his production.

The Jags already bolstered their defensive front this offseason, but that shouldn’t deter them from adding more talent. Smith could turn out to be a low-key good signing.