How Pittsburgh Steelers’ trade for Preston Smith was graded by experts
After the Pittsburgh Steelers pulled off a trade for New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams, general manager Omar Khan had another move up his sleeve on Tuesday, with Pittsburgh acquiring Green Bay Packers edge rusher, Preston Smith.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Steelers are bringing in Smith at the cost of a 2025 seventh-round pick, which is a fantastic bargain for an impact edge rusher like the former second-round pick.
While all the attention was focused on the Steelers’ wide receiver situation, it made sense for Pittsburgh to add another edge rusher to pad a group that has dealt with injuries this season.
Smith brings six seasons with eight or more sacks with him to Pittsburgh, and while he has just 2.5 this season, it stands to reason that number is going to get a jolt with the kind of supporting cast he has to work with.
We have no problem handing out an “A” for this deal, but let’s see what the experts are saying with their grades of the Steelers’ trade for Smith.
Preston Smith trade grades for SteelersJeff Kerr, CBS Sports: B
Kerr: “Pittsburgh’s already talented defense has added another piece to the puzzle. In Smith, the Steelers are getting a versatile, accomplished pass rusher with 68.5 career sacks under his belt. Smith will provide necessary depth behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith and alongside Nate Herbig.”
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY: B-
Middlehurst-Schwartz: “There’s no questioning Watt and Highsmith, who are each coming off two-sack performances in a win over the New York Giants. But as they stand atop the AFC North at 6-2, the Steelers likely wanted a little more confidence in their depth with Nick Herbig still recovering from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him for the last three games. Smith turns 32 later this month, and his best days are almost certainly behind him. But if he helps keep Watt and Highsmith fresh with some spot work, Pittsburgh is probably satisfied with the results.”
Gordon McGuinness, Pro Football Focus: B+
McGuinness: “The Steelers add some depth on the edge with the addition of Smith, who has generated 10 total pressures from 171 pass-rushing snaps so far this season. Smith generated at least 40 pressures every year between 2021 and 2023 and adds to an already deep edge defender group.”
Bleacher Report: A
Bleacher Report: “Smith is 31, and his production has dipped a bit this season. However, the Steelers aren’t looking for the veteran to be an every-down game-wrecker. Instead, Pittsburgh saw an opportunity to improve upon an existing strength and make sure that the defense can get after opposing quarterbacks even if T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith or Nate Herbig go down with an injury. If all four of them stay healthy, Pittsburgh’s pass rush has the chance to be hellacious. The Steelers know exactly what their identity is and remain true to that approach through thick and thin.”
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