Due to Aldon Smith's mounting legal problems, there is growing speculation coming out of the bay area that the San Francisco 49ers will release troubled linebacker Aldon Smith by May 3rd, Smith's contract extension deadline.
Aldon Smith's latest problems occurred last Sunday at Los Angeles International Airport. Smith was selected by TSA agents to undergo a secondary search. Smith became belligerent with agents and then yelled that he had a bomb. He was quickly placed under arrest and charged with making the threat, a felony.
The 49ers are having to take into consideration the probability that Aldon Smith may not be available to them for parts or all of the 2014 season. The NFL is reviewing their options with regards to disciplinary action against Smith. Under the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy, the NFL has the option to discipline Smith before his criminal case has been heard in court.
“With respect to repeat offenders, the Commissioner may impose discipline on an enhanced and/or expedited basis,” the league’s Personal Conduct Policy states. “In such cases, the timing and nature of the discipline will be determined by the Commissioner based on several factors including, but not limited to: the severity of the initial charge and the later charge, the facts underlying the later charge; the length of time between the initial offense and later charge; and the player or employee’s compliance with counseling and other programs.”
Add last years multiple felony counts arising from the alleged possession of illegal weapons to the new felony case of making a false claim of having a bomb while in an airport security line and the NFL has the right under policy to suspend Smith at the time of the league's choosing.
The 49ers are reviewing salary implications before making their decision. As of right now Smith's 2014 salary is guaranteed. The guarantee will be voided if the NFL does take action and suspends him.
If the 49ers decide to exercise the option it would only guarantee Smith's 2015 salary of $9.75 million if he were to be injured. His complete salary would be fully guaranteed come March 2015.
The 49ers could also look at trading the linebacker but the market may not be to their liking until all of Smith's legal problems are taken care of and the NFL has had their say. One thing is for sure, as the 49ers prepare their draft boards, what to do with Smith will be on their minds.