Smith out for 9 games

The league has suspended Niners LB Aldon Smith 9 games for violating the league substance abuse policy.  Setting aside that it's more than 4 times longer than Ray Rice's suspension ... the ban will likely leave the Niners D without it's top pass-rusher and most productive ILB (NaVorro Bowman) for at least half the season.  That's why we've been hands-off with the normally strong Niners team defense in fantasy football drafts this summer.  If you have room to stash Smith in your sack-friendly IDP league, though, he could be a steal on draft day or off the waiver wire.  He'll be back for the all-important playoff stretch of the fantasy season, and the team will likely return him to a full role as soon as he prove ready.  Dan Skuta and Corey Lemonier are the top candidates to fill in while Smith is out.

The Seahawks have agreed to a 1-year deal with DE Aldon Smith, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Smith made an impressive comeback with the Cowboys last season, considering he hadn't played in the NFL in 5 years. All 5 of his sacks, though, and 9 of his 14 QB hits came in the season's first 8 games. Dallas then decided not to bring the 31-year-old back. He lands in a Seattle situation that provides opportunity, but don't plan to draft Smith expecting big fantasy returns for your IDP lineup in 2021.

Cowboys DE Aldon Smith (knee) is active for today's game against the Steelers. Use him as planned in IDP lineups.

Cowboys DE Aldon Smith (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Steelers. He put in limited practices all week. We'll update his status Sunday morning.

The Cowboys on Wednesday night signed edge rusher Aldon Smith to a one-year deal. Smith hasn't played since 2015 because of NFL suspensions for both legal and drug issues but is reportedly seeking reinstatement. He racked up 14 sacks as a 49ers rookie way back in 2011 and then climbed to 19.5 in his 2nd season. Smith dealt with injuries and off-field issues over the next 3 seasons, last playing 9 games -- and tallying just 3.5 sacks -- with the 2015 Raiders. He'll turn 31 shortly after the 2020 season begins, so we'll see what Smith looks like whenever team workouts become possible again. If he approaches his early career form, there are certainly plenty of snaps available after DE Robert Quinn left to sign with the Bears. Smith's worth a stash in IDP dynasty leagues where possible.

The league on Tuesday suspended Raiders OLB Aldon Smith for a year for violating the substance abuse policy. Smith's violation appears to be for alcohol, stemming from the Aug. 6 incident that led the Niners to release him. The timing means Smith will need to apply for reinstatement next fall and won't be eligible to play until November. Oakland's decision to sign him in the wake of that incident and impending league action indicates the Raiders would be willing to stick with Smith in 2016. “Aldon has been a positive addition to the Raiders,” the team said in a statement. “He remains prominently in our long term plans and we will continue to support this member of our family as he gets the help that he needs.” The pass-rusher has played well for Oakland, tying Khalil Mack or the team lead with 8 QB hits and totaling 3.5 sacks. Smith will turn 27 next September and remains worth keeping in deep dynasty IDP leagues. As for the Raiders defense this year ... it'll certainly miss 1 of just 3 players on the team with more than 1.5 sacks.