Aldon Smith signs 1-year deal with Oakland Raiders

Of course it was going to happen this way. Former San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aldon Smith has signed a one-year deal with the Oakland Raiders, according to Bleacher Report's Jason Cole.

The 49ers released Smith in August after he was arrested for suspicion of DUI. Smith faces a potential suspension for the incident, but it is hard to tell exactly where things stand for his immediate football future. The NFL could still elect to place him on the Commissioner's Exempt List, but until then he technically is free to play if he so chooses.

We'll probably find out pretty quickly whether or not the Raiders will be playing him right away. They face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, and I would be surprised if he was active for that game. But given the contract, I could see him active in Week 2.

There had been some speculation the 49ers would like to bring Smith back at some point, but that is not the case at this point. This is certainly getting more and more interesting.

Fooch's update: Ian Rapoport is reporting he spoke with the Raiders, Jaguars, Bucs and Rams.

Aldon Smith is in the #Raiders building & will sign. He chose them over the #Jaguars, #Bucs & #Rams, I’m told. It’s a one-year deal.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 11, 2015

Fooch's update, 9:45 a.m.:

Despite off-field issues, Raiders' Aldon Smith IS eligible to play Sunday, per source. OAK will consider playing him, based on conditioning.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 11, 2015

Fooch's update, 9:48 a.m.:

League office says said Aldon Smith is "free to play at this time." Key words: at this time. NFL is still reviewing his case. #Raiders

— Jim Trotter (@JimTrotter_NFL) September 11, 2015