If nothing more, Preston Smith proved over the last three seasons he was good for at least eight sacks per year.
That truth made his Tuesday trade to Pittsburgh surprising to most, especially considering Smith exited Week 9 tied for the second-most sacks among all Green Bay players with 2.5. Some clarity on the matter emerged on Wednesday, though, when Smith spoke with Pittsburgh media members for the first time as a Steeler.
As it turns out, Smith wanted out of Green Bay. The reasoning was simple: He didn't feel he was very valuable in new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley's 4-3 system.
"A few weeks ago, I requested a trade," Smith said, . "I didn't feel like I was being useful in the system. It wasn't catering to my play style. Moving forward, I wasn't surprised when I got the call.
"I got what I asked for, and I'm in a great place with some great teammates. I'm excited for the new start."
In most instances, these types of trades involve players trying to earn money in the following year. That wasn't the case for the 31-year-old Smith, though. He still has two years and more than $25 million left on his deal.
That money isn't guaranteed, though. Smith could be released after 2024 and the move wouldn't hurt his team's salary cap, nor would he receive any more cash, providing him with additional motivation to succeed in the short term.
While Smith didn't mention the financial ramifications, it's clear a team with a 3-4 scheme like Pittsburgh provides him with the best chance to do so.
"It's just what I've been playing in the last nine years of my career until this past season," Smith said. "It's what I feel comfortable playing in, what I got used to playing in. ... Just being back in the system is like riding your favorite bike again."
Smith jumped from one contender to another, switching conferences in the process. He'll encounter a bit of a logjam at edge rusher in Pittsburgh, where T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig fill out its top three. Herbig and Highsmith have missed time this season due to injury, though not concurrently, and each has produced at a rather high level while playing opposite of Watt.
As Herbig nears a potential return, his new teammate, Smith, is attempting to fit into the group. When they're all healthy, the AFC North-leading Steelers will boast one of the deepest edge-rushing groups in the NFL.
