Was Moving Preston Smith the Right Move?
Linebacker Preston Smith’s six seasons in Green Bay came to an end on Tuesday with a trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a seventh-round pick. While the veteran linebacker did request a trade, even without that request, it wouldn’t be surprising for the Packers to field offers for a player who will soon turn 32. The Packers organization has a history of cutting ties with aging veterans, and Smith was just the next victim. While a seventh-round pick might seem like a small return, don’t be too upset by Green Bay’s decision to move on from Smith as it makes sense in the big picture.
Smith’s production wasn’t so groundbreaking that the Packers had a tough time parting ways with him. In fact, he played just 54 percent of the team’s defensive snaps this season, the lowest of his career since his rookie year. With only 10 pressures through nine games, his performance didn’t justify his pay. If Smith had been more effective, Green Bay might have been more reluctant to move on during this win-now season. Younger players like Lukas Van Ness and Kingsley Enagbare were already earning more playing time, making it less sensible to keep paying Smith a large salary. The Packers were probably going to let him walk in the offseason anyway, so they decided to get something in return now. Plus, they gained a seventh-round pick they had previously lost when acquiring backup quarterback Malik Willis.
Preston Smith’s contract was like a subscription to a streaming service where the shows stopped being worth the cost; eventually, you cancel because it's no longer worth paying for. The Packers wanted to give younger players more reps, and it didn’t make sense to keep paying Smith while reducing his playing time. By trading him, the Packers free up two million in cap space this season and save $7.6 million next year, $18.2 million in 2026, and $1.7 million in 2027. The move not only gives the Packers extra draft capital but also saves them significant money moving forward.
In Pittsburgh, Smith hopes to regain his production in a system he's been comfortable with throughout his career. He was a key part of the Packers' winning culture, contributing both through his character and his experience. However, in true Green Bay fashion, the team is putting its confidence in the younger players to carry that torch. While Van Ness and Enagbare don’t have the same experience Smith brought, the Packers are hopeful that increased playing time will allow them to prove themselves. Whether it was age catching up to him or the new system just not being the right fit, moving on from Smith was the right decision for Green Bay.
