Dan Orlovsky looks at the Seahawks' journey to the Super Bowl and concludes that they have the potential to win again with Russell Wilson. (2:39).RENTON (Wash.) -- Aldon Smith declined Saturday to answer questions about his pending Louisiana legal case or how it might affect his availability for the Seattle Seahawks this season.He said, "I cannot comment on that right away."The 31-year old pass-rusher spoke more about his four seasons in the NFL and the opportunity he had to return to the NFL after last year's success with the Dallas Cowboys.He said, "Everyday I try to improve, and as long I keep that mentality, keep learning, and keep developing, there is no limit to my potential." "I feel like there is still a lot of fuel left and I have much to offer this game."Smith will be getting his first opportunity to prove it to the Seahawks. Smith didn't participate in their voluntary offseason program, which was also skipped by many of the team's veterans players. He was excused from the mandatory minicamp. Coach Pete Carroll explained that Smith was doing this to get in shape. Smith has continued to do so.Smith wore the same No. 99 jersey that he wore when he started his career with the divisional rival San Francisco 49ers. Smith wore the No. 99 jersey he wore in his debut season with the San Francisco 49ers divisional rival. Smith has been present for every practice since camp started and doesn't seem to be slowing down. He engaged a tackling rope, lifted it up, and almost flipped it over during Thursday's practice.Carroll stated that "He's made an excellent first impression about learning stuff." He's a bright child. He's a bright kid. He is an expert on the game and can share his knowledge and experience. He is a natural at picking up things. He has a great sense of style. He has a remarkable length, reach, hand and hand play. It's obvious that he has a strength and power that is truly unique.Smith holds the NFL record for 33.5 sacks in his first two seasons. He has now accumulated 52.5 sacks over five seasons.He is not guaranteed to stay with the Seahawks. His one-year minimum-salary contract guaranteed him $137,500. He's more of an option than a necessity given the Seahawks' abundance of edge rushers. They include veterans Carlos Dunlap and Benson Mayowa, as well as young prospects like L.J. Robinson, Alton Robinson, and Darrell Taylor. CollierCarroll stated, "It's going be very competitive." It's already evident. It's already evident. However, once we get in pads, I am anxious to see his position with that."Smith's legal case is pending, adding to the uncertainty. Smith could face legal and NFL sanctions for an April second-degree battery he allegedly committed in New Orleans. Smith was charged with choking a man in a dispute that broke out at a coffee shop. WWL-TV obtained a police report that Smith had confronted Smith about the marital problems the man was having.John Schneider, the general manager of the Seahawks, stated later in April that they would let the legal process "take its course." Smith will be arraigned on Aug. 24, but that date could be moved.Smith has had several encounters with the law over the years, including multiple DUI arrests and domestic violence charges. These and other incidents led to Smith being suspended by the NFL for part of the 2014-2015 season and for violating its policies on personal conduct and substance abuse from 2016 to 2019.Smith was asked about his experiences during his absence.He said, "That football is a chance that not many people get." There are many people who wish they could play this sport, and I'm happy that I got the chance to do the mental preparations that were necessary to ensure that when I returned to my home, I was able to focus and give it all I have to it.Smith recorded five sacks for Dallas in 16 games, including three against Seattle. All of them came in the first half. Smith felt that he was becoming too heavy, and has been working to lose weight to around 270.He said, "I was kinda fat last year."Smith was able to stay in a sober living house in Dallas last season and continues the practice in Seattle. Smith said that his "tremendous support team" has helped him in his continuing struggle to stay sober.He said, "For me it was just being vulnerable and being willing trust and lean upon [those] people." "I have always had people who were there for me, but I would always try and carry everything on my own. It was hugely transformative to let people help me, and accept their help.After doing a lot of research and having many conversations with Smith, Carroll stated that Seattle was comfortable signing Smith. When Smith was with the Raiders in 2015 and Smith made a positive impression, that factored heavily in the Seahawks decision.Carroll stated that Smith had shown the vulnerability he spoke of "in that, he was very transparent and very open about his feelings and said that he needed some work right away; he needs some help right away and that it would take me some time to do this and that. He wasn't trying to protect himself. It was refreshing to see him be so forthright and not take any punches about it.Carroll stated that Smith must remain sober but that the Seahawks will be there to support him every step of the journey.Carroll stated, "I want him succeed at this in every way possible, and I want to see him through and do the right thing, so we're going give him everything that is available." He's very transparent with us and has communicated clearly. He's also been open about the difficulties he faced and that helped us to understand that he is working hard at it. It's not an easy task and one that he must make a lifetime commitment."We feel that he will be stronger if we support him more. That's what we really want.
