Preston Smith has shown his talent consistently over the past three seasons, recording at least eight sacks each year.
So, it was quite a surprise when he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday, especially considering he was tied for the second-most sacks for the Packers this season with 2.5. However, Smith opened up to Pittsburgh media on Wednesday, shedding some light on the situation and his desire for a new opportunity.
Smith shared that he had actually requested the trade a few weeks prior. His reasoning was straightforward: he didn’t feel like he was thriving in Green Bay’s new defensive system under coordinator Jeff Hafley, who runs a 4-3 scheme. “I didn’t feel like I was being useful in the system,” Smith explained. “It wasn’t catering to my play style. Moving forward, I wasn’t surprised when I got the call.”
Smith sounded excited about this new chapter in Pittsburgh. “I got what I asked for, and I’m in a great place with some great teammates,” he said. “I’m excited for the new start.” Clearly, he believes his skills are better suited for the Steelers’ defensive setup, which runs a 3-4 scheme, giving him a chance to make more of an impact.
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This move isn’t financially driven for Smith, either. At 31, he’s already secured a solid contract with two years remaining and more than $25 million still on the table. While that money isn’t guaranteed, his current deal gives him financial security, so his motivation is more about fit and performance.
It’s worth noting that if things don’t go well, Pittsburgh could release Smith after 2024 without a cap hit, meaning he wouldn’t get any more cash from the deal. This adds a bit of urgency to his new role, but he seems confident about his chances in a defense where he feels at home.
Smith has been in a 3-4 system for most of his nine-year career, so this transition back to it feels natural. “It’s just what I’ve been playing in,” Smith said. “It’s what I feel comfortable with. … Just being back in the system is like riding your favorite bike again.” He’s clearly looking forward to feeling more like himself in a scheme he knows well.
Switching conferences and moving to another contending team like the Steelers isn’t easy, but Smith’s timing is solid. The Steelers, who are currently leading the AFC North, have a strong roster and a defensive line where Smith could be a big asset.
In Pittsburgh, he’ll join an edge-rushing lineup that already boasts stars like T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and promising rookie Nick Herbig. Highsmith and Herbig have both had injury troubles this season, but not at the same time, allowing each to thrive while playing alongside Watt.
As Herbig approaches his return, Smith is stepping in and working to integrate into the lineup. His addition strengthens what is already one of the league’s most formidable edge-rushing groups, making the Steelers’ defense even more versatile.
Smith’s arrival could be the depth boost Pittsburgh needs to keep their top spot in the AFC North, especially if they continue to rotate their talented edge rushers to stay fresh. His experience and skill could give the Steelers the edge they need in key games down the stretch.
For Smith, this change is a chance to make an impact on a high-profile team, and for the Steelers, it’s an opportunity to bolster an already strong defense. If everything clicks, this could be a win-win for both sides, with Smith potentially adding the firepower Pittsburgh needs.
