FRISCO, TEXAS — Dallas Cowboys defensive end Aldon Smith was conditionally reinstated by the NFL from an indefinite suspension per ESPN on Wednesday.
Smith reportedly met with commissioner Roger Goodell via a virtual conference call last Thursday. The 30-year-old will now be allowed to take part in the Cowboys’ offseason program starting Tuesday. He has not started in an NFL game since 2015 with the Raiders, when he was suspended for violating the league’s policy on substance abuse. Back in April, Smith signed a one-year deal with Dallas worth $4 million.
In 2015 prior to his suspension, Smith accumulated 27 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, and three pass defends in nine games played. Throughout his five-year NFL career (2011-2015), he racked up 172 total tackles, 47.5 sacks, eight pass defends, five forced fumbles, and one interception in 59 game starts.
The Cowboys lost Robert Quinn, the team’s best pass rusher last season to the Bears in free agency, and Smith has the opportunity to compete for the club’s open spot at right defensive end opposite DeMarcus Lawrence.
