ALAMEDA, Calif. — The Oakland Raiders signed troubled pass rusher Aldon Smith to a contract Friday, five weeks after he was released by San Francisco.
The 49ers cut ties with Smith on Aug. 7, a day after his fifth arrest since being drafted by the team in 2011. Smith was arrested in Santa Clara on charges of drunken driving, hit and run and vandalism.
The Santa Clara District Attorney’s office said that Smith was charged Friday with three misdemeanors relating to his latest arrest. The charges are driving under the influence with a prior offense, hit and run with property damage and vandalism. Smith will be arraigned on Oct. 6.
“We are confident that the Raiders provide an environment where Aldon can thrive through the support, structure and leadership within the building,” general manager Reggie McKenzie said in a statement. “We are excited to have Aldon here in the Raiders family.”
Smith was suspended for the first nine games last season for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse and personal-conduct policies. The league says he is currently eligible to play despite his latest arrest. But the NFL is still looking into that matter.
Smith is one of the most accomplished pass rushers when available. He had 33 ½ sacks his first two seasons with the 49ers.
The Raiders needed an upgrade for their pass rush after recording a franchise-low 22 sacks last season.
“Aldon is an extremely talented young player,” coach Jack Del Rio said. “We welcome him to the Raiders family and expect him to bring his best every day and be a great teammate.”
Smith practiced on Friday in his familiar No. 99 but there was no immediate word on whether he would be able to play in the season opener Sunday against Cincinnati.
The Raiders waived defensive end Lavar Edwards to make room on the roster.
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