Aldon Smith could be released by the San Francisco 49ers.
The San Francisco 49ers have put up with a lot from star linebacker Aldon Smith, though, might the final straw be his excessive salary? It’s possible, as noted by the Sacramento Bee, who believes that either Aldon Smith or Ahmad Brooks could be released this offseason to clear up some of San Francisco’s salary cap woes which are among the worst in the NFL.
That said, if the decision came down to either Smith or Brooks, it’s likely the latter will be the one to receive a pink slip.
Together Smith and Brooks are scheduled to count $17 million against the cap. That’s for a pair that combined for eight sacks and a whole lot of discipline last season. Which is to say: It would not be a surprise if one – more likely it would be Brooks – is let go during the offseason.
Aldon Smith has the second biggest cap hold on the San Francisco 49ers roster behind quarterback Colin Kaepernick, so from a financial standpoint it makes sense as to why Aldon Smith could be released. He also can be cut before March 10th at no cost and given his troubled background, it’s likely something the 49ers have considered.
However, Smith is extremely talented when he’s on the field and is the better player between he and Ahmad Brooks, who is the more likely player to be cut.
