Smith was an outside linebacker for most of his career with the Green Bay Packers, who ran a 3-4 defensive scheme until a coaching change in 2024. Six times in 10 seasons, Smith has recorded at least eight sacks, including a career-high 12 in 2019. In 2023, Smith had 48 tackles and eight sacks.

Following his first practice in Pittsburgh, Smith met with the media and revealed that he had requested a trade out of Green Bay—and that the Packers' front office had complied with his request. Kevin Gorman of Tribune-Review Sports shared video of Smith's media session.

Veteran linebacker Preston Smith was traded from the Green Bay Packers to the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of Tuesday's deadline, and it was exactly what