The landscape of NFL defenses is adjusting as the Green Bay Packers trade edge rusher Preston Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a move finalized yesterday with the Steelers dispensing a garden-variety seventh-round draft pick in 2025 as compensation. The transfer, pending Smith’s physical condition, confirmed by FOX 6 Now, sees the Packers part with a player who’s been a consistent feature in their defensive lineup since donning the green and gold in 2019.
During his tenure with the Packers, Smith featured in 91 regular-season games, amassed a team-high 44.0 sacks, a performance that stands him sixth on Green Bay’s all-time list for sacks since 1982, and this season he recorded 19 tackles, tied for No. 2 on the team with 2.5 sacks, alongside four QB hits, and is recognized for generating 11 substantial NextGenStat QB pressures. In a statement obtained by the Journal Sentinel, sources reveal that along with the trade, the Steelers inherit Smith’s pro-rated base salary of $3.2 million along with the remaining two years of his contract, though the Packers will absorb about $2 million in cap savings this year; nevertheless, Smith’s contract will saddle the Packers with $5 million in dead money come 2025.
Smith’s NFL journey, stretching over a decade with earlier days spent at Washington, reflects a ledger bearing 68.5 career sacks, his abilities earning a note as one of only two players in the league, the other being T.J. Watt, to rack up over 65 sacks complemented by at least five interceptions and as many forced fumbles between 2015-23, as reported by FOX 6 Now. The trade, which also includes the Steelers picking up Smith’s balance of $1.6 million base salary and a per-game roster bonus totaling $423,529, positions the Packers with additional cap space, allowing them some fiscal maneuverability.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news of the trade as the deadline neared, reporting Pittsburgh’s busy day, which included the Smith deal right after they acquired wide receiver Mike Williams from the New York Jets, as delineated in the reports by WTAE.
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