The Pittsburgh Steelers made a bold move on Friday by releasing defensive edge rusher Preston Smith, which will benefit the team both on and off the field. Smith, who joined the Steelers during the 2024 season, proved to be an effective pass rusher and was an essential addition during a critical time.
Smith's presence was especially appreciated when Alex Highsmith sustained an injury that limited his ability to play at full capacity. He quickly stepped into the role and delivered, recording two sacks and 13 tackles, providing much-needed support in the Steelers’ pass rush.
Despite his solid contributions, the veteran fell out of favor as he failed to earn a helmet late in the season and in the playoffs. It didn't make sense for the Steelers to retain Smith for the 2025 season... especially when you consider his contract situation.
The release was not a reflection of his performance, but rather a strategic move to create financial flexibility. Smith’s departure frees up $13 million in cap space, a crucial sum for a team expected to make several significant changes in the coming months.
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The Steelers, like a few other teams in the league, find themselves in a tight position this offseason, needing to address multiple key areas of the roster, including the running back, quarterback, and wide receiver positions.
Releasing Preston Smith gives Steelers no excuse to invest in current roster
The decision to cut Smith is the first necessary decision made by the Steelers to succeed in today’s salary cap era. As head coach Mike Tomlin would say, it’s simply 'the nature of the business.' In this case, the Steelers front office, led by general manager Omar Khan, made the difficult decision to part ways with the aging veteran to secure the resources necessary for long-term success.
The Steelers have multiple pressing concerns heading into the off-season, and the extra $13 million in cap space provides flexibility to find solutions. Whether securing a more reliable quarterback, addressing issues in the running game, or bolstering the wide receiver corps, these funds are vital for the Steelers’ ability to remain competitive in the AFC North.
Pittsburgh ranks in the to ten available salary caps. They have plenty of resources to gain ground.
While Smith’s time with the Steelers was brief, his impact mattered most. The decision to release him is part of a larger plan for the team’s future. The move sets the stage for the Steelers to make the necessary adjustments and build a roster capable of competing for a playoff spot in the coming seasons.