With the recent trend of injuries surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers, many wondered if they might add some pieces to their roster. Preston Smith joined the team last season right before the trade deadline, but he failed to accomplish much. He remained available until the Washington Commanders signed him as a free agent heading into Week 3 of NFL action.
Pittsburgh could use some depth at the edge position with Alex Highsmith suffering an injury last weekend. A reunion with Smith never seemed logical because last season ended badly. He heads back to the team that drafted him in Washington to hopefully have a full-circle moment. The Commanders carry high expectations this year, and Smith will try to turn back the clock.
Smith's failure as a solid depth piece for the Steelers last year was concerning. Luckily, they didn't give up much to acquire him, but he is certainly on the downswing in a career that formerly had him ranked as a star defensive player.
Smith's status as an edge rusher has fallen off, and if he fails to carve out a significant role with the Commanders, his career could end.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers trade flub Preston Smith has a new place to call home
Smith was traded to the Steelers right before the deadline for pennies on the dollar. The Green Bay Packers were happy to retain some money on his deal that year in exchange for a seventh-round pick. It was an easy decision by General Manager Omar Khan to pull the trigger. The trade looked brilliant on paper, but he failed to have a solid role, and it led to a failed relationship.
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Washington gains a player whom they know to a degree, but a lot has changed since the veteran edge rusher was last there. They have new ownership, a new front office, and a new coaching staff. The Commanders are ready to compete with Jayden Daniels as their quarterback, and Smith will try to hold down the fort as a pass rusher for their defense.
The Steelers are light regarding their depth chart of edge rushers with Highsmith out of the lineup.
They have T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, and Jack Sawyer to help alleviate the impact of Highsmith's absence. They could use another body at the position, but adding Smith would not have made sense. His time in Pittsburgh was odd, and with how everything ended last season, it left a sour taste in everyone's mouths.
Smith has gained another shot to rebound, but time is quickly turning against him. He has been given opportunities to raise his status in the NFL and regain his star potential, but he has yet to achieve it. Smith turns 33 in November, so it's not likely that he will get much better.
A reunion with the Steelers was unlikely, but the chances of him returning to star status in Washington are low.