Source: Cowboys sign DE Smith, suspended since 2015
The Dallas Cowboys are taking a chance on another suspended defensive end, signing Aldon Smith to a contract while his playing status in the NFL is uncertain.
A person with direct knowledge of the deal said Smith signed Wednesday with Dallas. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Smith posted a picture of himself signing a document on Instagram and wrote, “Life is good. I’m thankful. I’m blessed. I’m a Cowboy.”
Smith hasn’t played in the NFL since 2015, when he was suspended for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy while with the Oakland Raiders.
The Cowboys now have two suspended pass rushers under contract in Smith and Randy Gregory. It wasn’t immediately clear where Smith stands in the reinstatement process.
Smith was drafted seventh overall out of Missouri in 2011. He had 19½ sacks in his second season and was an All-Pro while helping San Francisco reach the Super Bowl. He has 47½ sacks in 59 career games.
Titans’ Henry signs franchise tender
NASHVILLE, TENN. » Titans running back Derrick Henry has signed a franchise tender that puts him under contract for the 2020 season as Tennessee works toward reaching a long-term deal with the 2019 NFL rushing leader.
Team officials announced Thursday that Henry had signed the tender. The Titans gave him a franchise tag March 16, a move that means he will be paid $10.2 million in the 2020 season unless they sign him to a long-term deal by July 15.
Henry rushed for an NFL-leading 1,540 yards and averaged 4.8 yards per carry.
Packers sign Funchess
GREEN BAY, WIS. » The Green Bay Packers signed wide receiver Devin Funchess as he tries to bounce back from an injury-shortened 2019 season.
Funchess played for the Indianapolis Colts last year but went on injured reserve after breaking his collarbone in a season-opening 30-24 overtime loss to the Chargers.