The Green Bay Packers are urgently seeking an edge rusher. Although the team’s defense achieved respectable sack numbers in 2024, they lack depth in productive players at this position beyond Rashan Gary. It’s anticipated that General Manager Brian Gutekunst will address this gap during April’s draft.

However, Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report forecasts that the Packers will also strengthen their roster by acquiring former Pittsburgh Steelers player Preston Smith through free agency. Knox notes, “Even though the Packers tallied 45 sacks as a team last season, Rashan Gary was the sole Green Bay player to surpass five. Smith recorded 4.5 sacks between his time with the Packers and Steelers last season and achieved eight sacks in each of the three preceding seasons.”

Smith’s performance in 2024 was underwhelming, with just 4.5 sacks and 18 quarterback pressures across 17 games. The 32-year-old was traded from the Packers to the Steelers at last year’s trade deadline but struggled to fit into Pittsburgh’s defensive scheme.

Despite having a less-than-stellar year in 2024 and advancing age, Green Bay is advised to consider re-signing him. Smith had three consecutive seasons with over eight sacks for the Packers from 2021 to 2023 and a 12-sack season in 2019. The veteran still may have some effective performances left and would be a budget-friendly signing.

Smith won’t resolve all of Green Bay’s challenges at the edge rusher position, but the former Mississippi State player would be a valuable backup for the defense and could step into a starting role if necessary. He’s well-acquainted with Matt LaFleur’s team culture and brings significant experience, having started 138 games over his ten-year career.