New Steelers OLB requested trade from old team, reacts to landing in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH - Preston Smith comes to Pittsburgh as a decorated pass rusher who has had strong years in Green Bay and Washington. Now 31, Smith might not be the prime version of himself, but the Steelers are still getting a player with 2.5 sacks this season and someone who has 68.5 sacks throughout his career.

Smith, who still has two years left on his contract, revealed that he requested a trade out of Green Bay weeks ago. He did not feel like the scheme fit his skill set or featured him well enough. New Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley switched to a 4-3 defense, but Smith has always been more comfortable in a 3-4 defense.

That was a motivating factor for Smith, but he believes that the Steelers are the perfect defense for him to play well in at this stage of his career.

"A few weeks ago, I requested a trade," Smith said. "I didn't feel like I was being useful in the system. It wasn't catering to my play style. Moving forward, I wasn't surprised when I got the call. I got what I asked for."It's just what I've been playing in the last nine years of my career until this last season. 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 has played inside at some point in his career, and head coach Mike Tomlin hinted that he could see some time there since they saw it on his tape in Green Bay. Either way, Smith feels much better playing with the Steelers and their scheme.

Since he has so much experience in a 3-4 scheme, he should be able to slot in and play right away as a depth piece for the Steelers. It will unlikely be ahead of Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt, but Smith adds another level of depth to an already deep room for the Steelers.

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