Preston Smith Joins Steelers: A Vital Player Feature

Preston Smith: A Game-Changer for the Steelers

The Steelers acquired veteran edge rusher Preston Smith from the Green Bay Packers at the NFL trade deadline Tuesday. Smith, 31, is a savvy player who has started 138 games in his 10-year career with Washington and Green Bay, recording 68.5 career sacks.

A former second-round pick of Washington out of Mississippi State, the 6-foot-5, 265-pound Smith is considered good against the run, as well, with 430 career tackles, including 71 for a loss in his career.

Player Stats and Impact

Previously an outside linebacker in Green Bay’s 3-4 defensive scheme, Smith moved to more of a defensive end role with the Packers this season following a change in coordinators. He started all nine games and recorded 19 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

• Six times in his 10 NFL seasons, Smith has recorded at least eight sacks.
• Career-high 12 sacks in 2019.
• Last season, he had 48 tackles and eight sacks.

The addition of Smith gives the Steelers another explosive pass rusher who could rush from a defensive end position or even kick inside on obvious passing situations in the nickel and dime packages.

Versatile Role in Steelers' Defense

He’ll also have the opportunity to shift back to outside linebacker, where he can back up T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, offering the team experience behind that duo along with second-year pro Nick Herbig.

The Steelers attempted to fill the outside linebacker spot in the preseason with the re-signing of veteran Markus Golden, but Golden retired during training camp. Smith's acquisition could allow for a four-man rotation at outside linebacker, with Watt and Highsmith playing closer to 75 to 80 percent of the snaps.