Fri Nov 08 04:50:00 UTC 2024: ## Preston Smith Seeks Fresh Start, Trades to Pittsburgh Steelers

**Pittsburgh, PA -** Former Green Bay Packers linebacker Preston Smith has been traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, ending a three-season stint with the Packers. Smith, who consistently delivered eight or more sacks per year, expressed a desire to leave Green Bay due to his perceived lack of effectiveness in the new defensive scheme.

“A few weeks ago, I requested a trade,” Smith told Pittsburgh media. “I didn’t feel like I was being useful in the system. It wasn’t catering to my play style.”

Despite having two years and $25 million remaining on his contract, Smith was motivated by a desire to succeed in a 3-4 defensive scheme, similar to what he played in for the majority of his career.

“It’s just what I’ve been playing in the last nine years of my career until this past season,” Smith said. “It’s what I feel comfortable playing in, what I got used to playing in.”

While the Steelers already boast a strong edge-rushing unit led by T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig, Smith’s arrival adds depth and experience to the group. The Steelers, currently leading the AFC North, will hope Smith can contribute significantly, even with the potential for a logjam at the position.

In other NFL news:

* The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 35-34 in a thrilling Week 10 Thursday Night Football matchup.
* The San Francisco 49ers expect running back Christian McCaffrey to play in Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
* Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell is set to make his season debut against the Bengals after recovering from a torn ACL.
* Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is considered unlikely to play in Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings due to a left shoulder injury.
* Running back Chuba Hubbard has signed a four-year, $33.2 million contract extension with the Carolina Panthers.
* Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a partial hamstring tear, requiring surgery.

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