GREEN BAY – Before each game, Preston Smith would pull his teammates in the Green Bay Packers locker room into a huddle, not just the defensive line or even the whole defense, but the offense, too. The oldest player on the Packers roster had a hidden talent.

Former Green Bay Packers edge rusher Preston Smith didn’t wait long to make an impact with his new team. Five days after being traded from by the Packers to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Smith delivered two big plays across 23 snaps in the Steelers’ 28-27 win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday.

Smith's departure leaves both a void and an opportunity for Gary and the rest of the Packers' pass rushers. While Gary is ready to tackle an even greater leadership role among the defensive ends, the rest of the room aims to step up in Smith's on-field absence.

With Preston Smith traded to the Steelers, more will be demanded of Lukas Van Ness, Kingsley Enagbare and Arron Mosby in a position group led by Rashan Gary.

When you're not a household name, a request to be traded doesn't get blasted on podcasts or social media. And that's what didn't happen to former Green Bay Packers defender Preston Smith. He revealed

Smith's trade mirrors that of when the Packers traded Rasul Douglas in 2023 to the Buffalo Bills for a 2024 third-round draft selection. Packers fans reacted to the trade with appreciation to Smith for his time in Green Bay while some were also confused about the return.

The Pittsburgh Steelers continued to add on deadline day as they acquired defensive lineman Preston Smith from the Green Bay Packers for a 2025 seventh-round pick. The deal is pending a physical. Smith, a 10-year veteran, spent the last six seasons with the Packers. Before that, he played four years with the Washington Commanders.