In a move that comes as little surprise, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced on Friday that they have released veteran edge rusher Preston Smith. The decision marks the first major roster cut ahead of the upcoming free agency period and allows the Steelers to create additional salary cap flexibility.

Short-Lived Tenure in Pittsburgh

Smith, 31, was acquired by the Steelers at the trade deadline in a deal with the Green Bay Packers. Pittsburgh sent a 2025 seventh-round pick to Green Bay in hopes that Smith would bolster their defensive front. The veteran pass rusher was expected to provide physicality on the outside, improve run support, and add some pressure on opposing quarterbacks. However, his impact was minimal during his brief time with the team.

In eight appearances with the Steelers, Smith failed to secure a starting role and finished his tenure with just two sacks and 13 total tackles. While he showed flashes of his ability, he was ultimately unable to carve out a significant role in the Steelers’ defensive scheme.

Financial Implications

The release of Smith provides the Steelers with significant salary cap relief. Cutting ties with him frees up $13.4 million in cap space, adding to the already available $40 million Pittsburgh possesses ahead of free agency. This move places the team in a strong financial position to make key acquisitions and address other roster needs when the new league year begins.

With Smith off the books, the Steelers will likely turn their attention to strengthening their defense through free agency or the NFL Draft. The team remains in need of a reliable pass rusher to complement T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, making edge depth a priority in the coming weeks.

Looking Ahead

While Smith’s time in Pittsburgh did not go as planned, his veteran presence could still attract interest from teams in need of experienced defensive help. He remains a capable rotational piece for teams looking for depth on the edge.

For the Steelers, the focus now shifts to maximizing their cap space and making strategic moves to improve the roster. With the added financial flexibility, they have the potential to make a splash in free agency or find a long-term solution at edge rusher in the draft.

As the offseason unfolds, Pittsburgh’s next steps will be closely watched as they aim to build a roster capable of competing for a deep playoff run in 2024.