Steelers pick up Preston Smith from Packers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are acquiring pass-rusher Preston Smith from the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round pick, the clubs announced Tuesday.

Smith has tallied 2.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, and four quarterback hits in nine appearances this season while playing 54% of the team's defensive snaps. The 31-year-old has 68.5 sacks in 155 career games (138 starts).

The 2015 second-rounder joins a pass-rushing unit that's led by T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, and Alex Highsmith. The Steelers have tallied 19 total sacks this season.

Smith's departure could lead to more playing time for 2023 first-round selection Lukas Van Ness. He's played just 41% of the team's defensive snaps this season, recording one sack and four tackles for loss.