Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Preston Smith (91) takes the field against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Steelers Release Former Packers LB

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI
By Jack Markowski | Last updated Feb 14, 2025 6:48 PM ET

In anticipation of free agency and the new league year commencing in just under a month, the Pittsburgh Steelers have begun making moves to free up cap space.

On Friday, the team announced that they are releasing outside linebacker Preston Smith, whom they acquired from the Green Bay Packers back in November at the trade deadline for a 2025 seventh-round pick.

We have released LB Preston Smith. @BordasLaw
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) February 14, 2025

Smith's salary for the next two seasons was non-guaranteed, meaning Pittsburgh will recoup $13.4 million and $14.1 million against the cap in 2025 and 2026, respectively.

The 32-year-old appeared in eight games for the Steelers, logging two sacks, a fumble recovery and 13 total tackles during that stretch.

Smith played at least 17 defensive snaps in each of his first six contests for the team between Weeks 10 and 15 before seeing that number dwindle down to 13 during Week 16.

He was a healthy inactive against the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day in Week 17 before returning to the field in Week 18 and garnering 19 reps.

Smith was also sidelined as a healthy inactive for Pittsburgh's Wild Card round bout with the Baltimore Ravens, which was the final blow to his future prospects with the organization.

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