Smith believes Steelers system suits him ( 123over )

( 123over )
Preston Smith is confident he’ll make a good move to the Pittsburgh Steelers after being traded from the Green Bay Packers. ( 123over )

Preston Smith, 32, an edge rusher, has revealed the reason he requested a trade away from the Green Bay Packers, saying he believes the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 3-4 system suits him, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. 

The Steelers traded Smith with the Packers in a seventh-round draft in 2025 to bolster their edge rusher position alongside T.J. Watt, Alex Smith and Nick Herbig, with the latter two having missed some games this season due to injuries, though not simultaneously.

“A few weeks ago, I asked for a trade,” said Smith, who has 2.5 sacks, the second-most on the Packers’ roster this season. “I didn’t feel like I was valuable in the system. It didn’t fit my style of play. Going forward, I wouldn’t be surprised if I got the call.”

‘I got what I asked for and now I’m in a great place with great teammates. I’m excited for the new start.’ 

Smith is currently on a two-year, more than $25 million contract with no guaranteed money, so the 31-year-old is likely to be released after the 2024 season unless he impresses enough to earn a new deal.

“That’s just what I’ve played for the last nine years of my career,” Smith said. “It’s what I’m comfortable playing, what I’m used to playing. Getting back into the system is like riding your favorite bike again.” ( 123over )