The San Francisco 49ers have some decisions to make when it comes to Aldon Smith. The linebacker was recently arrested, but will not face felony drug charges after an incident at Los Angeles International Airport. Adding that to his other four arrests and Smith could be playing on borrowed time. General manager Trent Baalke recently said he is not ready to give up on Smith, but could be finding ways to replace him in the upcoming draft.
Smith's last few seasons have tested the patience of San Francisco. The linebacker has been arrested four times. He missed five games last season after checking himself into a rehabilitation clinic. Despite his Pro Bowl status, Smith has a lot of things working against him and the recent incident is just another addition to the list. ESPN.com is reporting San Francisco has no plans of picking up Smith's fifth-year option for 2015 worth $9.75 million and might release him altogether before the start of this year.
According to ESPN, Smith's recent antics could land him into the "zero tolerance" category for the 49ers. The team is expecting discipline from the NFL and is still trying to figure out what their punishment will be towards the linebacker. In the meantime, could the 49ers be finding his replacement in the upcoming draft?
Many predicted the 49ers to draft a wide receiver in the first round, but given Smith's situation, ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio believes they will make a trade to draft a top linebacker instead. Given that the team already has Michael Crabtree, Anquan Boldin and Vernon Davis, the need to draft Mike Evans is not such a priority. With this draft class deep in talent at the position, Florio believes the 49ers are targeting a move for a linebacker and use a later pick on a wide receiver.
The 49ers will not make a move for someone like Jadeveon Clowney, but Khalil Mack and Anthony Barr could be the favorites. Mack has been seen as a first-round pick, but the Houston Texans will likely select either Clowney or Johnny Manziel instead. Unless the 49ers plan a big move into the top seven or five, Mack might not be an option either. However, Barr will be around and would require less jumping to draft. He would be an excellent fit for the 49ers and given NaVorro Bowman's knee injury, would be needed right away.
