The Pittsburgh Steelers finally got their wide receiver addition at the 2024 NFL Trade Deadline, adding Mike Williams from the New York Jets. The trades did not stop there, as Mike Tomlin seemed to believe he needed one more high-end defensive lineman.
Despite the fact the Green Bay Packers themselves are competing for a championship, it seems as though they viewed pass rusher Preston Smith as completely unnecessary. Having already added a wide receiver, Pittsburgh pounced on yet another sack master to add to their growing stable.
Not only did the Steelers acquire Smith from the Packers, but theu did so in exchange for just a seventh-round pick. Smith's role in the defense was decreasing, which made him a perfect trade target for a team like Pittsburgh that can squeeze every ounce of talent out of their veterans.
Sources: The #Steelers aren’t done. They are trading for #Packers veteran pass-rusher Preston Smith.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 5, 2024
One of the NFL’s best defenses gets better. pic.twitter.com/76NWCKXeyL
Steelers create league's deepest pass rush after Preston Smith trade
Smith had spent the last six seasons with the Packers after four years with Washington. Smith recorded at least eight sacks in four of the last five seasons, including 12 in his debut. He's taken a slight dip this season, tallying just 2.5 sacks in nine games.
The Steelers already have the best pass rusher in the sport in TJ Watt, and the supplementation with Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig gives Pittsburgh a ton of teeth on the edge. Getting Smith to mix in with that crew could be exactly what an already strong defense needs to get even more deep in the postseason.
The fact Smith was able to be acquired for a seventh-round pick, which is one step above the Packers giving him to the Steelers for free, is a masterful bit of business. While he is owed a good chunk of money, Pittsburgh is wisely betting on the raw talent making up for that.
Once again, the Steelers will need to hope that a tremendous defense led by a suffocating pass rush is what will lead this team to championship glory in the next few months. Smith is not going to radically change things, but he gives them a reliable, proven player in an area of strength.