Aldon Smith has been arrested (again) and this was the last straw for the 49ers. Smith who is in the last year of his contract has already collected $800,000 worth of roster bonuses and was presumably working out a long term extension with the 49ers at the time of the incident. Smith is being charged with a DUI, a hit and run, and vandalism.
There are a lot of factors that will go into what will happen now; the 49ers have released him so anything is possible. His release may not be the end of his punishment however the NFL could suspend him for up to a year or more, think Josh Gordon.
Smith can also be facing significant jail time for violating his probation; he was not allowed to consume alcohol. So now the 49ers have to figure out their cap situation after restructuring his remaining salary and of course who will replace him. Currently the 49ers will most likely look to Ahmad Brooks to replace his production however it will be difficult to replace a guy who can get 44 sacks in 50 games.
If (when) Smith is suspended he may not be eligible to sign with an NFL team until the 2016 or 2017 season depending on the length of his suspension. You have to be wondering what the Dallas Cowboys are thinking right now.....
