Preston Smith reveals he requested trade from Packers, says Steelers’ 3-4 system suits his style

In most cases, these types of trades involve players trying to make money in the following year. However, that was not the case for the 31-year-old Smith. He still has two years and more than $25 million left on his deal.

However, that money is not guaranteed. Smith could be released after 2024, and the move wouldn’t hurt his team’s salary cap, nor would he receive more money, giving him additional motivation to succeed in the short term.

While Smith didn’t mention the financial implications, it’s clear that a team with a 3-4 scheme like Pittsburgh gives him the best chance to do so.

“It’s just what I’ve played for the last nine years of my career up until this last season,” Smith said. “It’s what I feel comfortable playing in, what I got used to playing in. … Just being back in the system is like riding your favorite bike again.”

Smith bounced from one candidate to another, switching conferences in the process. He’ll face a bit of a crowd at edge rusher in Pittsburgh, with TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig filling out his top three. Herbig and Highsmith have missed time this season due to injury, though not at the same time, and each has produced at a fairly high level while playing opposite Watt.

As Herbig nears a potential return, his new teammate, Smith, tries to fit in with the group. When they’re all healthy, the AFC North-leading Steelers will boast one of the deepest edge-running groups in the NFL.