Packers trade veteran edge rusher to Steelers

The Packers are moving on from a veteran pass rusher.

According to multiple reports , edge rusher Preston Smith is being sent to Pittsburgh for a seventh-round pick.

Smith, who will be 32 on Nov. 17, has been a starter and solid contributor on the defensive line for the last six seasons.

He has been credited with 19 total tackles and 2.5 sacks this season, but Green Bay has expressed a desire to get younger on both sides of the ball. The Packers have just two players age 30 or older: kicker Brandon McManus (33) and linebacker Eric Wilson (30).

The move will free up an increased role for 2023 first round pick Lukas Van Ness and 2022 fifth-round selection Kingsley Enagbare. Former Michigan star Rashan Gary anchors the Packers defensive line.

Smith will join one of the NFL's best defenses in the Steelers, likely as a rotational player alongside star T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.

Smith was drafted out of Mississippi State by Washington in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He played in D.C. through the 2018 season before signing a four-year, $52 million contract with Green Bay in 2019.

He has 430 total tackles, 68.5 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, 6 fumble recoveries and 2 interceptions in his career. He's also scored 2 touchdowns.