Grading The Steelers Preston Smith Trade
When a team makes a transaction, they have multiple mindsets. One of those mindsets is an economic one, to get some salary relief. Another mindset is focused on securing depth pieces for the team. Well, the Preston Smith transaction showcases both of those mindsets. The Green Bay Packers made a trade involving Preston Smith, sending him to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The details of that trade are down below.
Trade Details for Preston Smith
Green Bay Packers Acquire: 2025 7th Round Pick
Pittsburgh Steelers Acquire: DE/EDGE Preston Smith
Green Bay Packers Side
The Packers did this move for two main reasons. The first is to get out of Smith's contract, and save money in this deal. The second reason, is to get Lukas Van Ness and Kingsley Enagbare more snaps on defense. Preston Smith's snaps were already decreasing compared to last year. The 7th Round Pick is just extra value, as the Packers were going to cut him at the end of the season. Getting that pick is a bonus.
Pittsburgh Steelers Side
The Steelers need a wide receiver, and got one in Mike Williams. Many thought that they were done, but Pittsburgh felt that they needed to bolster the defense more. Alex Highsmith and TJ Watt are a strong pass rushing core, and Nate Herbig is a nice depth option. Herbig has been battling a nagging hamstring injury. Pittsburgh wanted to ensure that their depth was strong, so they got a veteran in Preston Smith. He's likely going to be a rotational piece, but he's a nice piece to add. While his contract has a big cap hit, Pittsburgh can easily get out of it by making him a post-June 1st cut and saving 13 million dollars.
Grades For Preston Smith's Trade
Green Bay Packers C
Pittsburgh Steelers B+
Out of all the trades, this is the NFL version of an NBA Salary dump. The Packers get more cap space, and increase the snaps to both Van Ness and Enagbare. However, with the Packers in a tough division, I would rather have extra pass rush depth than a 7th-round draft choice. The Steelers will get a higher grade in this transaction. It also helps that this is a solid Plan B if Nate Herbig suffers a setback in his recovery from his hamstring injury.