Former Packers’ OLB Preston Smith’s unexpected trade to the Steelers adds valuable depth to the defense, and was surprising to fans alike.

Veteran linebacker Preston Smith was traded from the Green Bay Packers to the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of Tuesday's deadline, and it was exactly what

Smith was an outside linebacker for most of his career with the Green Bay Packers, who ran a 3-4 defensive scheme until a coaching change in 2024. Six times in 10 seasons, Smith has recorded at least eight sacks, including a career-high 12 in 2019. In 2023, Smith had 48 tackles and eight sacks.