Steelers' Preston Smith Says He Requested Trade from Packers Ahead of NFL Deadline

Veteran linebacker Preston Smith was traded from the Green Bay Packers to the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of Tuesday's deadline, and it was exactly what he wanted.

Smith told reporters on Wednesday that he had requested to be traded from the Packers "a couple of weeks ago."

Smith added that he felt Green Bay's switch to a 4-3 defense didn't suit his playing style, and returning to a 3-4 system in Pittsburgh is "like riding your favorite bike."

A 10-year veteran, Smith appeared in all nine games for the Packers and registered 19 total tackles and 2.5 sacks. Per ESPN's Brooke Pryor, his playing time had dwindled in recent weeks, playing less than 50 percent of the defensive snaps twice in the last three games.

Smith originally signed with Green Bay in 2019 and recorded a career-high 12 sacks in his first season with the team. The 31-year-old became a model of consistency, appearing in all 17 games in each of the last two seasons and recording over eight sacks in each of the previous three years.

In addition to acquiring Smith, the Steelers also traded for veteran wide receiver Mike Williams from the New York Jets. At 6-2, Pittsburgh ranks first in the AFC North and is looking to solidify its status as a title contender.

Smith and Williams will get their first chances to show what they can do for the Steelers when they visit the Washington Commanders on Sunday. Pittsburgh will be seeking its fourth straight win.