Oakland Raiders Rumors: Aldon Smith potential piece in Raiders-Niners deal?

Nov 25, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith (99) sacks Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) during the second half at FedEx Field. The 49ers won 27-6. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

For all those doubters out there, a blockbuster trade could be in the works between the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders involving DL Aldon Smith.  The rumor mill is, the 49ers could deal Aldon Smith, the 30th overall pick in 2014, and future draft picks to the Oakland Raiders for the 5th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.

I will stress that this is only a rumor and not factual.  The rumor was discovered by me on one of my Social Media sites, and it is direct from an unknown source within the Oakland Raiders organization.  The question is, how would Raider Nation feel about this?

The truth is, the Oakland Raiders have a definite need at defensive lineman.  Youth is a question, especially after adding aging veterans in free agency.  Aldon Smith was a 1st round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, and he would provide that dynamic hybrid LB presence.  At 24-years of age, he would give the Raiders the youth and experience needed on the field.  Could you imagine Aldon Smith with Antonio Smith, Justin Tuck, Lamarr Woodley, Sio Moore, Nick Roach, and Kevin Burnett?  Talk about a winning combination.

Although Smith has some of off-the-field issues to deal with, including a DUI in 2013, an assault weapons charge in 2012, and an incident at the Los Angeles International Airport in April of 2014, he would be a very good addition to the Raiders defense.  It is still in doubt whether or not he will face a suspension by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in September, but this move would help the Raiders get even better at defense in 2014.  That’s what the draft is about, right, getting better?

After this rumor broke on Thursday, May 1st, the 49ers exercised their right to pick up Smith’s 5th year option for the 2015 season on Friday, May 2nd.  Of course, the NFL deadline for picking up the option was Saturday, May 3rd.  This move would make most believe that Smith will be with the 49ers for a long time to come, but anything is possible.

Over the years, football fans have seen a lot of player trades for draft picks or draft movement, and this could be another move along the lines of the “Herschel Walker Trade” made by the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings in 1989.  Remember that, The Cowboys dealt Walker to the Vikings for 5 players and 6 future draft picks.  This deal led to the Cowboys drafting players like Emmitt Smith, Russell Maryland, Kevin Smith and Darren Woodson, and the rest is history.

It will all depend on how much the 49ers are willing to give up, and it will depend on how much the Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie is asking for.  Personally, I would accept this trade as a fan, because the Raiders would be getting a very good player who can get after quarterbacks, and they would also be getting compensatory draft picks.  Seems like a win, win situation for McKenzie to me.

In any event, remember this is only a rumor and not verified.  Still, I just thought I’d get Raider Nation’s take on the deal if it became real.  Provide your comments below and let me know if this is a deal you’d make, or if this is a deal that’s not worth the risk.