Preston Smith #91 of the Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers May Part Ways with Preston Smith as Part of Defensive Reshaping
The Pittsburgh Steelers are set for a defensive overhaul in 2025, and it looks like veteran outside linebacker Preston Smith could be one of the casualties of that transformation. According to Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline, Smith, who joined the Steelers midseason in 2024, is likely to be released as Pittsburgh seeks to make room for younger talent and reshape their defensive line.
The Short-Lived Steelers Tenure of Preston Smith
Preston Smith, 32, has had a strong career, initially with the Green Bay Packers, where he signed a four-year, $52 million deal in 2022. However, after only 10 games with Pittsburgh, including a trade deadline deal that saw him shipped from the Packers for a seventh-round pick, Smith’s future with the Steelers appears uncertain.
Pauline reports that Smith will likely become a cap casualty this offseason, as the Steelers look to free up space for more youth on the defense. His cap number over the final two years of his contract is projected to be around $27.5 million, a hefty sum for a team that is prioritizing roster flexibility. According to Pauline, there’s a 99 percent chance that Smith will be cut as the Steelers move toward reshaping their defensive front.
Smith’s Contribution and the Need for Change
In his brief time with Pittsburgh, Smith contributed in eight games, recording 13 tackles, two sacks, three tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery. While his production was decent, Smith’s skillset doesn’t align with the direction the Steelers seem to be heading toward. Specifically, team President Art Rooney II recently expressed that the team would focus on improving their defensive run game this offseason, a strength of Smith’s game that remains somewhat underwhelming.
As the Steelers continue to evaluate their roster, Smith’s role doesn’t seem to fit their evolving defensive needs. With $52 million in cap space available for the 2025 offseason (per OverTheCap), Pittsburgh is poised to make significant changes across the roster. Cutting Smith would free up crucial cap space, allowing the Steelers to invest in younger, more dynamic players who fit the team’s evolving defensive philosophy.
What’s Next for Pittsburgh’s Defense?
The Steelers’ defense will be a focal point of their offseason moves, and the release of Smith is just one potential domino to fall. With a clear push to bolster their defensive front and improve the run defense, Pittsburgh is expected to focus on adding players who fit these priorities.
The Steelers will officially begin their offseason roster changes the day after the Super Bowl, and the team’s front office is already in motion. Last year, the Steelers made swift moves on the first day of the offseason, releasing three players — Mitch Trubisky, Presley Harvin, and Mason Cole — signaling that this year’s roster changes could come just as quickly.
With key decisions looming for Pittsburgh, Smith’s potential release is part of the larger shift toward a younger, more versatile defensive core. As the offseason progresses, expect the Steelers to continue making moves to strengthen their defense and adjust their roster to compete in the tough AFC North in 2025.
