Preston Smith Trade Analysis: Who Benefits More, Steelers or Packers?
As the 2024 NFL trade deadline approaches this Tuesday, two teams eyeing playoff spots have made a significant trade.
The Green Bay Packers have traded edge rusher Preston Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a seventh-round draft pick, according to various reports.
With a career total of 68 ½ sacks, Smith is renowned in the league as a strong pass rusher. However, the Packers opted to give more playing time to their younger players, while the Steelers, who also traded for wide receiver Mike Williams from the New York Jets earlier in the day, added an experienced veteran to provide support for T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.
Here’s how both the Steelers and Packers stand in this trade.
Preston Smith Trade Evaluations
Steelers Evaluation: B-
The performances of Watt and Highsmith are undeniable, especially with each having two sacks in their recent victory against the New York Giants. As the Steelers hold a solid 6-2 position atop the AFC North, they likely sought to reinforce their depth, particularly with Nick Herbig sidelined due to a hamstring injury that has kept him out for the last three games. Although Smith, who will turn 32 soon, may not be in his prime anymore, if he can help keep Watt and Highsmith fresh during games, Pittsburgh will likely view the trade positively.
Packers Evaluation: B-
For the Green Bay Packers, this move seems less about gaining a significant return and more about adjusting their roster for the future. Following their first-round selection of Lukas Van Ness in the 2023 NFL draft, it was only a matter of time before they moved on from Smith. His recent playing time had dropped to a season-low 36.8% during their loss to the Detroit Lions, indicating that the team was ready for a change. This trade poses a challenge for defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley to effectively manage the rotation of pass rushers, with Kingsley Enagbare likely needing to rise to the occasion alongside Van Ness and Rashan Gary. It was certainly a necessary shift, and general manager Brian Gutekunst capitalizes by getting something in return for a player he might have released next offseason for financial reasons.
