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Don’t Expect to See Colts Sign Aldon Smith Anytime Soon

By Luke Schultheis

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Recently released San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith may be a tremendous talent as a pass rusher, but don’t expect him to be signed by the Indianapolis Colts anytime soon:

The incredibly talented, yet clearly troubled 25 year old pass rusher was arrested for a DUI on Thursday night (his 3rd since 2012), and was subsequently released by the 49ers earlier today, having served a series of suspensions in earlier seasons.

August 1, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith (99) puts on his helmet during training camp at Levi

The former 7th overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft out of Missouri had 42 sacks in his 1st three NFL seasons before a series of off-the-field, alcohol related incidents derailed what initially appeared to be a future Hall of Fame career.

With Robert Mathis actual return still up in the air, the Colts have legitimate pass rushing concerns of their own. However, the Colts will presumably steer far clear of the troubled Smith, who needs serious professional help apart from what any NFL team can reasonably provide.

Simply put, this goes beyond football, it’s about Smith’s future life and well-being.

In the absence of Mathis, the Colts will likely stick with the pass rushing group they have, relying on proven veteran Trent Cole, starter Erik Walden, promising 2nd-year pro Jonathan Newsome, and the enigmatic Bjoern Werner, and perhaps hoping that either/both Cam Johnson and Daniel Adongo can emerge as additional reliable depth.

Smith has proven he can be an elite NFL pass rusher, but he’s not worth the headaches anymore at this juncture. He’s had 3 significants strikes on him already in his brief 4-year career, and just like in baseball, he may be out…only this time, out of the league indefinitely.

Quite frankly, he’s not only placed himself in significant danger, but potentially others in multiple instances and needs to turn his life around for the better.

The Colts–namely Chuck Pagano have always preached about bringing in “Horseshoe Guys”. No one with a straight face can honestly say that Smith represents the high character individual that the franchise expects from their players both on and off the field.

The team desires players who truly embody “The Horseshoe ” and are stand-up individuals, not those who frequently endanger themselves and public safety by their utterly reckless behavior. Alcohol is an addiction after all, and Smith desperately needs the proper treatment right now.

Looming suspension aside, Smith won’t he helping the Colts anytime soon, but he does require serious professional help. Here’s hoping he finally “gets it” in more ways than one.

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