The rich get richer as the Pittsburgh Steelers make a bold trade for veteran pass rusher
They say deadlines spur actions, and the Pittsburgh Steelers put that to the test on Tuesday, the final day for trades in the 2024 NFL season. After acquiring WR Mike Williams from the New York Jets, the Steelers have traded for pass rusher Preston Smith, as first reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Media: Steelers […]
They say deadlines spur actions, and the Pittsburgh Steelers put that to the test on Tuesday, the final day for trades in the 2024 NFL season.
After acquiring WR Mike Williams from the New York Jets, the Steelers have traded for pass rusher Preston Smith, as first reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Media:
Steelers Add Key Depth Piece to Front 7
There is no debating that the front seven, but particularly the defensive line and outside linebacking group is the strength of the team. But good teams build upon their strengths, and perhaps more importantly add depth at critical positions.
And if you have followed Pittsburgh this season, then you know the team's presence on the EDGE as been tested, with Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig and even DeMarvin Leal all missing significant amounts of time with various injuries.
So to add a veteran of high quality for a mere 7th rounder is teffric value for the Steelers and GM Omar Khan.
Smith has averaged 7.5 sacks a year over his 10-year career and is a versatile body type that can play on the EDGE or kick inside to a 3-4 defensive end position.
From a salary standpoint, Pittsburgh needs to pay out $2m for the rest of the season, before $13.4m and $14.1 in 2025 and 2026 respectively, two numbers that will likely be renegotiated if Smith wants to stick around in Pittsburgh.
So with Watt and Highsmith on the marquee, and Nick Herbig alongside Preston Smith as those looking to spell the star duo, it's safe to say that Pittsburgh might have the best pass rush rotation in the league following this move.
George Pickens’ life may have gotten a lot harder following blockbuster trade by upcoming opponent
He might have his hands full.
