Preston Smith
Preston Smith Trade Grades: Did Steelers or Packers Win Deal for Edge Rusher?
Table of Contents Preston Smith
The NFL offseason is always full of trades, and one of the more surprising moves came when the Green Bay Packers traded edge rusher Preston Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The trade, which took place just days before the start of the regular season, raised eyebrows across the league for its potential impact on both teams.
On one side, the Packers, who had long relied on Smith’s pass-rushing prowess, chose to move on from the veteran. On the other side, the Steelers, a team with a strong defense and playoff aspirations, acquired an experienced edge rusher who could immediately contribute to their defense. But the question remains: who won the deal? Was it the Packers, who cleared cap space and got younger? Or was it the Steelers, who fortified their defensive front for a playoff push?
Trade Overview: Preston Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers
In the deal, the Packers sent Preston Smith to the Steelers in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick and a 2024 fourth-round pick. The Packers, who are transitioning into a rebuilding phase under new leadership and a focus on younger talent, seemed content with moving on from a player who had been a key piece of their defense for the last several years.
For the Steelers, the addition of Smith bolstered an already formidable defense that is often considered one of the league’s best, particularly in terms of their pass rush. Pittsburgh has a history of success with strong defenses, and adding Smith could be a major asset to their push for a deep playoff run.
Preston Smith’s Role and Impact in Green Bay
Preston Smith, who has spent the past five seasons with the Packers, was known for his leadership in the locker room and his pass-rushing ability on the field. The 6’5″, 265-pound edge rusher has consistently posted solid numbers, making an impact both as a pass rusher and in setting the edge against the run. Smith had 29.5 sacks over the last four seasons in Green Bay and has been a reliable contributor in the Packers’ 3-4 defensive scheme.
While Smith’s production has been relatively consistent, there were signs that the Packers were beginning to look in a different direction. The team was looking to get younger, and with Rashan Gary emerging as the primary pass-rusher and the defense transitioning under Joe Barry, Smith’s role could have been somewhat reduced moving forward. Additionally, his age (31 by the end of the 2024 season) and his contract—which still has a cap hit of around $12 million—made him expendable as the Packers aim to build a roster for the long term.
The Packers’ Motivation: Why Trade Preston Smith?
The Packers are in a unique position as they transition to a younger roster with an eye on the future. The team had already made some key moves to infuse youth into their defense, including investing in edge rushers like Kingsley Enagbare and continuing to develop young players. By trading Smith, Green Bay cleared additional cap space and freed up playing time for younger, more cost-effective players.
This trade was also part of the Packers’ broader strategy to build around Jordan Love, their young starting quarterback. With Love under center, Green Bay’s offense needs more support, and freeing up cap space could allow them to make moves that benefit their future. The second-round pick they received from Pittsburgh is a valuable asset to further bolster the team’s rebuilding efforts. It’s also worth noting that the Packers’ defense, while strong, doesn’t necessarily need an aging pass rusher like Smith when they have younger players coming up in the pipeline.
The Packers clearly had a long-term view in mind, opting for flexibility with a focus on future draft capital. While they lose a proven pass rusher in Smith, the compensation they received could help accelerate their rebuild.
The Steelers’ Motivation: Why Acquire Preston Smith?
The Pittsburgh Steelers, led by head coach Mike Tomlin, are no strangers to defensive dominance. Pittsburgh’s defensive front, which already includes stars like T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward, was strengthened by the addition of Smith. Adding a reliable veteran pass rusher like Smith gives the Steelers an even more formidable front seven, and it could help the team challenge for an AFC title in a highly competitive conference.
One of the Steelers’ key needs heading into the 2024 season was depth on the edge, especially opposite T.J. Watt, who often faces double teams. Smith’s ability to generate consistent pressure, both as a pass rusher and in the run game, gives the Steelers another weapon in their defensive arsenal. It also provides insurance in case of injuries, a common concern in the NFL, especially on the defensive line.
Smith’s experience and leadership could also be invaluable to the Steelers’ younger players, particularly as the team looks to contend in the AFC. The Steelers have shown a commitment to maintaining one of the league’s top defenses, and adding Smith provides them with another potential double-digit sack threat alongside Watt, while also allowing them to rotate their edge rushers more effectively to keep the defense fresh over the course of the season.
Additionally, Pittsburgh’s defensive coordinator Teryl Austin could maximize Smith’s skill set in the Steelers’ aggressive 3-4 defensive scheme, which is designed to get pressure on the quarterback from multiple angles. Smith is a versatile player who could slot in seamlessly across different packages, making him a perfect fit for Pittsburgh’s defense.