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The Jacksonville Jaguars need pass rush help, that's no secret. So when Aldon Smith was released by the San Francisco 49ers, it seemed like a long shot to even suggest the team would go after him.
But Ian Rapoport of NFL.com is reporting that the Jaguars were one of four teams trying to sign him.
Aldon Smith is in the #Raiders building & will sign. He chose them over the #Jaguars, #Bucs & #Rams, I’m told. It’s a one-year deal.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 11, 2015
Yes, Smith was going to be suspended for most, if not all, of the 2015 season and it wouldn't have helped in the immediate. But for the future it had the possibility be a massive boon for the team going forward.
It was a low-risk move that could pay huge dividends over the next few seasons for the Raiders if they can keep him out of trouble.
Thanks a lot, Jack Del Rio.