In a notable mid-season move during the 2024 NFL campaign, the Green Bay Packers traded veteran edge rusher Preston Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a seventh-round pick. Smith, who had been with the Packers since 2019, experienced a decline in playing time leading up to the trade, participating in only 37% of defensive snaps in his final game against the Detroit Lions.

Upon joining the Steelers, Smith transitioned back to his original position as an outside linebacker, aligning with Pittsburgh’s 3-4 defensive scheme—a role he reportedly felt more comfortable in compared to his defensive end position in Green Bay.

Financially, the trade provided the Packers with immediate salary cap relief, saving $2.02 million in the short term and an additional $28.09 million over the subsequent two years. This move also left Green Bay with only two players aged 30 or older on their roster, signaling a potential shift toward a younger team dynamic.

For the Steelers, acquiring Smith was part of a broader strategy to strengthen their roster for a playoff push. In addition to Smith, Pittsburgh also traded for wide receiver Mike Williams from the New York Jets, aiming to bolster both their defense and offense.

Fan reactions to these trades were actively sought, with surveys indicating a high level of confidence in the team’s direction. Prior to the acquisitions, fan confidence had reached a season high of 93%, and the new additions were expected to further bolster optimism.

However, Smith’s tenure with the Steelers was short-lived. On February 14, 2025, Pittsburgh released him in a cap-saving move, making him a free agent. This decision underscored the often transient nature of NFL careers and the strategic financial decisions teams must make to remain competitive.

In summary, Preston Smith’s transition from the Packers to the Steelers highlighted the dynamic nature of NFL team strategies, balancing player performance, financial considerations, and roster composition to achieve competitive success.