Before he signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Cowboys, outside linebacker Aldon Smith received a “vet-minimum/incentive-laden” offer from the Broncos, according to a report from KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis.
Smith played under Denver coach Vic Fangio while with the 49ers and he is friends with Broncos edge defender Von Miller so there was mutual interest between the two sides, according to Klis. Ultimately, Smith decided to take the better offer from Dallas.
Denver already has two star pass rushers in Miller and Bradley Chubb but the team clearly feels that more depth would help. Smith could have served as a rotational pass rusher had he accepted the Broncos’ team-friendly offer.
Smith was selected by San Francisco with the seventh overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft, just a few spots after Denver drafted Miller with the second overall pick. Smith went on to finish second in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting behind Miller.
Smith made the Pro Bowl in 2012 after totaling 19.5 sacks. His career was then derailed by DUIs, possession of marijuana, an alleged hit-and-run, accusations of domestic violence and violations of court orders.
Smith, 30, has not played since 2015 when he totaled 3.5 sacks in nine games with the Raiders. He signed with the Cowboys on April 2.
