ALAMEDA, Calif. – The Oakland Raiders have signed free agent LB Aldon Smith, the club announced Friday.
Smith joins the Raiders after four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers in which he totaled 44 sacks in 50 games. His career totals also include 192 tackles (141 solo), five passes defensed, one interception and 5.5 sacks in eight career playoff games.
The 49ers' first-round draft pick (seventh overall) in 2011, Smith was the runner-up in the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting after recording 14 sacks in his first season. In 2012, Smith was named to the Pro Bowl and selected for first-team All Pro honors after posting 19.5 sacks and his first career interception. He totaled 10.5 sacks over the past two seasons with San Francisco.
"Aldon is an extremely talented young player," said Head Coach Jack Del Rio. "We welcome him to the Raiders family and expect him to bring his best every day and be a great teammate."
"We are confident that the Raiders provide an environment where Aldon can thrive through the support, structure and leadership within the building," said General Manager Reggie McKenzie. "We are excited to have Aldon here in the Raiders family."
To make room on the roster, the Raiders have waived DE Lavar Edwards.
