Preston Smith, a veteran pass rusher, recently moved from the Green Bay Packers to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a trade he anticipated after requesting a change weeks earlier. Smith felt that Green Bay’s new defensive scheme under coordinator Jeff Hafley didn’t complement his skills, as it required him to play as a defensive end in a 4-3 setup rather than his usual outside linebacker role in a 3-4 defense. Smith’s trade aligns him with a defense more suited to his experience, and he expressed enthusiasm for joining a “great place” with “great teammates” in Pittsburgh, eager for a fresh start and a better fit within the Steelers’ system.
In Pittsburgh, Smith feels comfortable returning to a 3-4 scheme, where he has spent the bulk of his career. He likened rejoining this system to “riding your favorite bike again,” as it’s familiar and complements his style of play. However, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin mentioned that Smith’s integration into the lineup would depend on his ability to quickly adapt to the team’s playbook and physical demands. Tomlin stressed that while Smith and fellow trade acquisition Mike Williams bring new potential to the team, their immediate impact would be evaluated over time as they adjust to their roles within the Steelers’ roster.
Smith enters a Steelers pass-rushing unit already strong with players like T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and up-and-coming Nick Herbig. Smith isn’t concerned about competing for playtime, instead focusing on supporting his new teammates as needed. He stated he’s ready to embrace any role given to him, whether stepping in to relieve other players or contributing to the rotation. His positive attitude suggests he’s open to working collaboratively with Pittsburgh’s established defensive players rather than seeking a spotlight.
Despite his excitement, Smith faces a logistical challenge—he was traded just before Green Bay’s bye week, meaning he’ll now play in all 18 weeks of the regular season. Although he’s disappointed about missing his break, Smith remains committed to stepping in for the Steelers without rest, reflecting his readiness to contribute immediately. This dedication underlines his eagerness to make an impact with Pittsburgh and “ball out” for the remainder of the season.
Similarly, Mike Williams, who was traded from the New York Jets to the Steelers, will also forgo his scheduled bye. Williams was enthusiastic about his new opportunities, taking first-team reps in practice and aiming to capitalize on his chemistry with quarterback Russell Wilson, known for his accurate deep passes. Williams, who has a talent for tracking and catching long throws, is eager to develop a strong connection with Wilson and seize his chance to become a playmaker in Pittsburgh’s offensive lineup.
