On Tuesday, the Green Bay Packers traded pass rusher Preston Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2025 seventh-round draft pick. This move, considered surprising by many, gained some clarity after Smith spoke to the media on Wednesday.
Following his first practice with the Steelers, Smith shared that he had requested a trade from Green Bay, which the Packers’ front office agreed to honor. Kevin Gorman of *Tribune-Review Sports* posted a video of Smith’s remarks.
“A few weeks ago, I requested a trade,” Smith explained. “I didn’t feel like I was being utilized effectively in the system. It didn’t suit my play style, so I wasn’t surprised when I got the call. I got what I asked for.”
In nine games with Green Bay this season, Smith tallied 2.5 sacks and four quarterback hits. He shared that his skills weren’t well-suited to the Packers’ new 4-3 defense under first-year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. The Steelers’ 3-4 scheme, on the other hand, aligns with the defensive system he’s played in for the past nine years.
“It’s what I’ve been used to for nine years, until this season,” Smith said. “Being back in this system feels like riding your favorite bike again.”
Smith, who is 16th among active players in career sacks with 68.5, now joins a strong Steelers defense that includes four-time All-Pro T.J. Watt, three-time All-Pro Cameron Heyward, and rising linebacker Alex Highsmith.
Pittsburgh (6-2) will face the Washington Commanders (7-2) in Week 10.
