The Pittsburgh Steelers continued their aggressive trade deadline moves by acquiring not just Jets wide receiver Mike Williams for a 2025 fifth-round pick, but also bolstering their pass rush for a 2025 seventh-round selection.
Veteran Preston Smith from the Green Bay Packers will trade one yellow jersey for another as he moves from Green Bay’s green and yellow to Pittsburgh’s iconic black and yellow.
The Steelers officially secured the deal right at Tuesday’s 4:00 PM NFL trade deadline, adding a seasoned defender who has accumulated 2.5 sacks and 19 tackles through nine games this season.
We have acquired LB Preston Smith from the Green Bay Packers for a 2025 seventh-round pick, pending a physical.
We also released TE Rodney Williams from the active roster and waived both WR Andy Isabella and LB Craig Young from the practice squad. @BordasLaw
📝:… pic.twitter.com/nln76Ww7x3
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 5, 2024
The acquisition addresses Pittsburgh’s ongoing injury concerns at the position group.
The former Mississippi State linebacker brings a decade of NFL experience and consistent performance, having served as a reliable starter across two teams throughout his nine-year career.
While Alex Highsmith has returned from his three-game absence due to a groin injury, and second-year rusher Nick Herbig has also missed three games with hamstring issues, Smith’s presence provides much-needed depth and experience.
His impact is expected to be particularly valuable in strengthening the run defense as the Steelers approach a crucial stretch of AFC North matchups.
The move also presents an opportunity for Smith to compete for higher stakes this season.
He departs a Green Bay team struggling behind Detroit and Minnesota in the NFC North, with dwindling wildcard prospects.
In contrast, Pittsburgh offers not just a shot at an AFC wildcard berth but a legitimate chance at the AFC North crown.
Smith’s transition to the black and yellow couldn’t come at a more pivotal moment.
His debut will unfold in a high-stakes matchup as Pittsburgh (6-2) travels to face Washington (7-1) this Sunday.
