Seems like a no risk move given no guaranteed money up front.
When I said peculiar signing earlier, I had forgotten Smith had played with Tomsula in San Fran. They made this move, obviously, based on input from Tomsula, so I guess it's worth a flier.
I found a very telling quote from Tomsula on releasing Smith, Tomsula was the 49'ers head coach at the time:
"It's a sad day. This is a day that doesn't have anything to do with football. Although [Smith] won't be playing football for the
San Francisco 49ers, he will be supported and helped and he will not have to walk this path alone. That comes from our ownership down. He will not have to walk this path alone. We're not worried about football. It has nothing to do with football.
I understand the platform that we are on, I understand where this goes in the news. And what I would like to say is, if one person out there reads this, and you're struggling, get help. Go get it. You're worth it. You're worth it. There's value in every human being. Get the help. You don't have to walk alone. Find it, it's there. And although Aldon will not be playing football here, we will be supporting him. He will not be alone."
https://bleacherreport.com/articles...s-jim-tomsula-shines-in-aldon-smith-aftermath
Kudos to Coach Tomsula. He clearly meant what he said.