Another move for Pittsburgh!
Surprise! The Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t done making moves ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline. The Steelers have made a move to bolster their pass rush ahead of Week 10, acquiring edge rusher Preston Smith from the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a seventh round pick, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported.
Smith, a former second-round pick of the now-Washington Commanders, is approaching his 32nd birthday in the weeks to come, but still has some gas left in the tank in his 10th NFL season, though it’s been one of his slower campaigns at this point in the season. Per PFF, he’s totaled 10 pressures through nine games, including 2.5 sacks and two tackles for a loss. Steelers fans will be happy to see that he isn’t credited with a single missed tackle this year — an area where the team has struggled. He’s been a centerpiece on the Packers defense dating back to 2019, when he signed a four-year, $52 million contract in free agency.
Smith is under contract through the 2026 season, set to become a free agent in 2027 per Spotrac. Based on those reported contact details, he is set to earn $27.5 million in total cash through that duration, with additional bonus potential should he make the Pro Bowl ($250,000) and he hit the 10-sack mark ($1 million).
Smith has totaled 17+ QB hits and 8+ sacks in each of the past three seasons with the Packers, including at least one forced fumble in each of those campaigns.