49ers Accept Aldon Smith's 2015 Option

[Pugz]

The San Francisco 49ers exercised their 2015 option on Aldon Smith's contract, which is worth $9.75 million.

Until next March, the option is only guaranteed if Smith suffers a major injury in 2014 that would affect the 2015 season. The 49ers also could pull the option before the end of the 2014-15 league year in March, or they could trade Smith.

Had the 49ers not exercised the option, Smith, 24, would have been set to become a free agent after the 2014 season. If the 49ers had decided not to pick up the option and then placed the franchise tag on Smith instead next winter, his 2015 salary would have increased to the $12-13 million range.

The decision is widely considered the smart football move despite his off the field issues.

Via Bill Williamson/ESPN

 

[BwareDWare94]

lolol just more proof that some franchises don't give a shit about character. Smith would have been cut months and months ago if he was in, say, Pittsburgh.

 

[Lake Louise]

Players should be held to a standard. If they are a great player on the field, but have issues off the field, you can give them some leeway. I would say the three strike approach, and after that third strike, they should be looking for work somewhere else. Three might even be too generous.