Last season, the Green Bay Packers made a significant shift on defense. Since the days of Dom Capers—the defensive coordinator during their Super Bowl XLV win—the team had consistently used a 3-4 defensive scheme. However, after parting ways with Joe Barry following the 2023 season, the Packers brought in Jeff Hafley as their new defensive coordinator, who implemented a more conventional 4-3 front.
Naturally, this shift led to changes in player roles. Several defenders who previously lined up on the edge in the 3-4 system were now positioned along the defensive line in the new 4-3 setup. While some players embraced the transition and thrived in their new roles, others struggled to replicate the success they had under the previous scheme.
Former Green Bay Packers Pass Rusher Preston Smith Requested a Trade
One player who had difficulty adapting to the new defensive system was veteran pass rusher Preston Smith. After recording at least 8.0 sacks in each of the previous three seasons, Smith saw a noticeable drop in production, managing just 2.5 sacks through the first nine games of the 2024 campaign.
Although Preston Smith has expressed nothing but appreciation for the Packers organization, he was unhappy with his role in the new defensive scheme. As a result, he ultimately requested a trade.
The Packers honored his trade request by sending him to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a seventh-round pick. The move made sense, as Pittsburgh runs the 3-4 defensive scheme that Smith preferred.
However, the change of scenery didn’t spark a turnaround in his performance. Smith continued to struggle, finishing with just 2.0 sacks in eight games with the Steelers.
Former Green Bay Packers Pass Rusher Preston Smith May Retire
Following the end of the season, the Steelers released Preston Smith to create salary cap space. Despite being a free agent for several months, he has yet to attract much—if any—interest on the open market.
Ryan Heckman of Lombardi Avenue suggests that the lack of interest in Preston Smith around the league could signal the end of his NFL career:
> “At 32 years old, Smith might be done. The Steelers cut him to save some money, chose not to bring him back on a friendly deal and, honestly, it very well could be time to call it a career, barring one more last-ditch effort from a desperate team.”
Smith played six seasons with the Packers, tallying 44.0 sacks during that span. That total ranks him 11th on Green Bay’s all-time sacks list—putting him ahead of notable names like Rashan Gary, Kenny Clark, Za’Darius Smith, and Mike Daniels.
