The Green Bay Packers have traded veteran defensive end Preston Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a conditional 2023 NFL Draft pick. The move comes as the Packers continue to overhaul their defense in the wake of a disappointing 8-9 season.
The Green Bay Packers have parted ways with veteran defensive end Preston Smith, sending him to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a conditional 2023 NFL Draft pick. The move comes as part of a broader rebuilding effort for the Packers, who finished last season with an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
Smith, 30, joined the Packers in 2021 after spending the first six seasons of his career with the Washington Commanders. He started 13 games for Green Bay last season, recording 4.0 sacks, 34 tackles, and 11 quarterback hits.
Packers Ship Preston Smith to Steelers: Breaking Down the Deal
Multiple factors contributed to Smith's availability on the trade block. First and foremost, his age and declining production made him an expensive asset for a Packers team looking to get younger on defense. Smith's base salary for 2023 was set to be $12.5 million, which represented a significant cap hit for a player who had failed to live up to his $16 million contract signed in 2021.
Furthermore, the Packers have a plethora of young talent emerging on the defensive line. Rashan Gary, Dexter Lawrence, and Devonte Wyatt are all under the age of 25 and have shown flashes of potential. With these players poised to take on larger roles, Smith's snaps were likely to decrease in 2023.
Recent snap counts also played a role in Smith's departure. In the Packers' final five games of the 2022 season, Smith played just 60.9% of defensive snaps, a significant drop from his earlier usage. This decline in playing time suggests that the Packers were already preparing for life without Smith.
The trade benefits both teams in different ways. The Steelers acquire a veteran pass rusher who can provide depth and mentorship to their young defense. Smith has 57.5 career sacks and has been a productive player throughout his career.
Meanwhile, the Packers clear some cap space and create an opportunity for their younger players to develop. The conditional draft pick they received in exchange for Smith could potentially turn into a valuable asset if he plays well in Pittsburgh.
Overall, the trade of Preston Smith to the Steelers is a move that makes sense for both teams. The Packers shed a veteran player on a big contract while acquiring some future draft capital. The Steelers, on the other hand, add a proven pass rusher who can help them improve their defense.
