Steelers Make First Offseason Move As Organization Releases Veteran Defender

The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to be aggressive during the 2025 offseason, and to do that the organization needs to make moves to free up some cap space. The franchise could save money by releasing a handful players including the likes of Cordarrelle Patterson and Preston Smith. Patterson is still on the roster, but the organization decided to part ways with Smith on Friday night by releasing him.

Smith becoming a cap casualty was expected going into the 2025 offseason. Pittsburgh acquired the veteran outside linebacker for just a seventh-round pick at the trade deadline from the Green Bay Packers. The defender was going to have a cap hit of just under $13.5 million for the 2025 season and over $14 million in 2026, but now the Steelers won't own him that money.

All of Smith's salary for the 2025 and 2026 seasons was non-guaranteed, so the Steelers will save significant cash against the cap by making this move. The veteran is still a good player, but the organization could not justify paying a backup outside linebacker over $13 million. The Steelers already have a strong group at outside linebacker with TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig. An expensive depth piece like Smith is just unnecessary moving forward.

Smith was in Pittsburgh for a short amount of time as he was acquired before the team's Week 10 game against the Washington Commanders. He played in eight regular season games for Pittsburgh and recorded two sacks, and recovered one fumble. He was ruled inactive for one regular season game and was a healthy scratch for Pittsburgh's playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens as well.

Steelers Releasing Smith Will Not Surprise Many

The move to cut ties with Smith is no surprise. It was the necessary thing to do, and the outside linebacker probably expected it. His salary could not be justified, and this way he gets the chance to move to a starting role with a new team. There is still the possibility that the Steelers could bring Smith back on a cheaper deal, assuming he can't find a home elsewhere.

This move will increase Pittsburgh's cap space in 2025 by about $13 million, which is extremely significant. Pittsburgh will now have the opportunity to shore up other holes throughout the roster in free agency or by making other moves during the 2025 offseason. The Steelers will look to sign key free agents along the defensive line, at cornerback, and at wide receiver. This move gives the organization more wiggle room to do so.

What do you think of the Steelers releasing Smith? What other releases do you expect in the future? Let us know in the comments below!

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