Breaking news: Steelers’ Preston Smith says he requested a trade from the Packers before of the NFL deadline…
In a shocking revelation, Preston Smith, the standout linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has confirmed that he requested a trade from the Green Bay Packers before the NFL’s trade deadline. The move comes as a surprise to many, given Smith’s long tenure with the Packers and his integral role on their defense in recent years.
Smith, who joined the Packers in 2019 as a free agent and quickly became a key figure in their pass rush, expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s direction and his role within the defense. Speaking publicly for the first time about the trade request, Smith shared that the decision was driven by both professional and personal factors.
“It wasn’t an easy decision, but I felt like it was time for a change,” Smith said in a statement released earlier today. “I’ve had great years in Green Bay, and I’ll always appreciate the opportunities they gave me, but as a player, I wanted to be in a situation where I felt I could contribute more and help a team that’s in a better position to win right now.”
Smith’s trade request came before the **NFL trade deadline**, and while the Packers were reportedly open to discussions, no deal was finalized before the cut-off. The Packers have declined to comment on the specifics of Smith’s request, but sources close to the team indicate that they were not actively shopping the linebacker at the time.
In a twist of fate, Smith was subsequently traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who were in need of a veteran presence on their defense. The Steelers, known for their dominant pass rush, see Smith as a key addition to bolster their linebacker corps and add experience to their playoff aspirations.
Fans of both the Packers and Steelers are eagerly awaiting Smith’s debut with his new team, with many hoping he can make an immediate impact in Pittsburgh’s quest for postseason success.
