NFL Trade Deadline: Steelers Acquire Preston Smith from Packers
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
With the NFL trade deadline now behind us, the Pittsburgh Steelers made a notable addition to their defense by acquiring pass-rusher Preston Smith from the Green Bay Packers. According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the Packers traded Smith to the Steelers in exchange for a seventh-round draft pick in 2025. The Packers confirmed the trade shortly after it was reported, solidifying a move aimed at reshaping their defensive strategy for the future.
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Preston Smith’s Impact and Experience
Preston Smith, a seasoned pass-rusher, brings a wealth of experience to the Steelers’ lineup. Since joining the Packers in 2019, Smith has amassed impressive stats, including 44 sacks, 42 tackles for loss, and 96 quarterback hits. Known for his ability to disrupt offenses and pressure quarterbacks, Smith adds depth to Pittsburgh’s defensive front and provides the Steelers with a veteran presence in their pass-rush rotation.
At 31 years old, Smith’s addition offers Pittsburgh a reliable edge defender who can create significant pressure and complement the team’s younger talent on defense. His experience will be particularly valuable as the Steelers continue to push for playoff positioning.
Packers Focus on Youth with Van Ness Stepping Up
For the Packers, trading away Preston Smith aligns with their goal of developing young talent. This move opens up more playing time for Lukas Van Ness, a second-year pass-rusher who has been turning heads with his promising play. The Packers’ decision to part with Smith allows them to focus on Van Ness, who is part of one of the youngest rosters in the NFL.
With Van Ness stepping into a larger role, Green Bay gains flexibility to experiment and evolve its defense as they invest in younger players who can grow within the organization. The Packers’ commitment to developing their younger lineup aligns with their long-term vision of building a competitive and agile defense.
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Smith Bolsters Steelers’ Playoff Aspirations
The Steelers are making it clear that they are focused on strengthening their roster for a potential postseason run. Adding a veteran like Smith signals Pittsburgh’s intent to bolster their pass rush as they seek consistency in their defensive performance. With Smith in the lineup, the Steelers now have a more formidable defense capable of applying pressure from multiple angles, which could prove pivotal in critical matchups down the stretch.
The acquisition of Smith not only enhances the Steelers’ defense but also reinforces their commitment to improving the roster with seasoned players. This move allows Pittsburgh to keep pace with competitors as they gear up for a competitive playoff race.
