Steelers cut veteran pass rusher months after Packers trade

The Pittsburgh Steelers are already prepping for the next free agency season in 2025. In a recent move, they released Preston Smith. He was a linebacker they picked up last year. This move creates $12 million more in cap space for the team! This information comes from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Quick Flashback: Smith’s Short Time in Pittsburgh

Last season, Smith played eight games with the Steelers. They traded for him with the Packers before the deadline. Pittsburgh even traded a 2025 seventh-round draft pick for him. Interestingly, Smith had asked for a trade. He wanted to play for a team with a 3-4 defense. “It’s what I’ve played for nine years,” Smith mentioned, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “Being back in the system feels familiar.”

On the Field: Did Smith Make a Difference?

Although it seemed like a good plan, Smith’s time with the Steelers didn’t quite take off. He only got two sacks in those eight games. He even sat out the playoff game against the Ravens. Because of this release, Smith can start looking for a new team early. Free agency officially begins March 12th.

What’s Next for Smith?

Even with a less productive year, Smith, who is 32, should still find a team. He had eight sacks the year before, in 2023. From 2019 to 2023, he racked up 41.5 sacks, including an amazing 12 in 2019!

Smith’s Impressive Career at a Glance

As a former second-round pick from 2015, Smith has totaled 70.5 career sacks. That’s really impressive – it’s 14th best among all active players! He started with Washington for four seasons. Then, he spent over six seasons with the Packers, getting 44 sacks there.

Steelers Focus on the Future

While Smith searches for his next team, the Steelers now need to find someone to fill his spot. Good news is they already have key pass rushers in place. Think T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig. Herbig had a great year with 5.5 sacks last season!