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2016 NFL Training Camp: 5 Biggest Roster Wild Cards

By Erik Lambert

Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Anthony Davis (76) lines up against Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) during the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Anthony Davis (76) lines up against Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe (95) during the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) looks across the line during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Aldon Smith (99) looks across the line during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Aldon Smith (DE, Oakland Raiders)

"“We knew his situation. It’s not like we had blinders on. Going into last year, we knew a suspension was probable and it was going to be an uphill battle for him. He’s going to have to fight the good fight, but we’re not going to bail on him. He has to do his part.”"

The lifeline back into the NFL is getting ever thinner for Aldon Smith. It’s such a shame too because there has never been any doubt he can excel in football. The problem is his maturity and off-the-field problems continue to bedevil him. After another drug-related incident that is under league investigation, Smith checked himself back into rehab. The Oakland Raiders remain staunchly in his corner and believe he can beat this problem but the outcome remains unclear. For the moment he’s still slated to return in November from suspension, but this latest incident may change that.

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