New Pittsburgh Steelers outdoors linebacker Preston Smith could have simply arrived within the metropolis however he already feels proper at house. Acquired by the Steelers from the Inexperienced Bay Packers forward of Tuesday’s deadline for a pittance, a 2025 seventh-round choose, Smith spoke to reporters for the primary time Wednesday.
“Simply getting out right here, getting again within the system I’m comfy being in and enjoying at a excessive stage, man,” Smith mentioned through The Trib’s Chris Adamski. “I’m loving proper now, Day 1.”
Smith had a diminished function with Inexperienced Bay this season, enjoying barely greater than one-third of the protection’s snaps within the Packers’ Week 9 loss to the Detroit Lions. It wasn’t for a scarcity of availability. Smith has missed only one sport in his NFL profession. As an alternative, he not match within the Packers’ system.
“It’s simply what I’ve been enjoying within the final 9 years of my profession,” Smith mentioned through Adamski when requested why he’s extra comfy with the Steelers. “Till this previous season is what I used to be comfy enjoying in and what I’ve been, what I acquired used to enjoying within the earlier 9 seasons. Simply being again within the system, it’s like using your favourite bike once more.”
Inexperienced Bay employed Jeff Hafley as their new defensive coordinator, Hafley leaving the school ranks after serving as Boston Faculty’s head coach. The transfer has paid off because the Packers have an above-average protection, however it required a scheme change. The Packers switched away from their 3-4 to a 4-3, forcing a veteran like Smith to regulate to a brand new function. Different and youthful gamers like Lukas Van Ness and Kingsley Enagbare had been extra pure suits and elevated their enjoying time. It left Smith to request a commerce out of Inexperienced Bay.
“I acquired what I requested for,” Smith mentioned through The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo.
Now, Smith is again in a 3-4 system one the Steelers have been working for a era. He’ll play on his ft, concentrate on dashing the passer, and be given the liberty to play quick and aggressive when he’s on the sphere. Although he turns 32 later this month, he’s been according to underrated profession manufacturing. Since being drafted in 2015, his 68.5 sacks tie for thirteenth within the NFL with new teammate DL Cam Heyward.
With the Steelers, he’ll not be a starter, one thing he technically was in every sport with the Packers this season. However Smith will commerce that for the possibility to play in a scheme he can thrive in, and he’ll come off the bench with contemporary legs to reduce the drop-off when T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith depart the sphere.
