Teams are actively restructuring their rosters as the NFL offseason gets into full gear. This is in preparation for the free agent market and the 2025 NFL season. The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a surprising move, joining the Miami Dolphins in early roster adjustments by releasing veteran edge rusher **Preston Smith**.
This decision mirrors moves made by the Miami Dolphins, who recently released Pro Bowl running back **Raheem Mostert** and other veteran players, signaling a league-wide trend of teams optimizing their salary cap positions.
Preston Smith was released by the Steelers after he had been set to be counted against their cap for 2025 at $13.4 and 2026 at $14.1.
Pittsburgh has a cap of $54.1 M and the highest defense commitment in the league at $163.8M.
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) February 14, 2025
The release of **Preston Smith** comes as a bit of a surprise considering the Steelers traded for him at the 2024 trade deadline. Smith was acquired from the **Green Bay Packers**, where he had requested a trade due to dissatisfaction with his role in the Packers’ defensive scheme.
Pittsburgh traded Smith for a pick from the seventh round of 2025 NFL Draft. Smith will now be searching for a team new to him.
In 2024, **Preston Smith** recorded 4.5 sacks and 32 total tackles across his time with both the Packers and the Steelers. Smith, despite being an NFL veteran of 11 years, showed that he can still be a valuable pass rusher. His production dropped from 2023 where he had 8 sacks. However, with his proven track record and experience, he could be a valuable addition to any team looking to improve their defensive line.
Salary cap concerns were the main reason for Steelers to decide on Smith’s release. In 2025, Smith was to be counted as $13.4 million and in 2026 $14.1 million. The Steelers have now gained $54.1 in additional cap space by cutting their ties to Smith. This puts them in the top 5 teams of the NFL in terms available funds. Pittsburgh can now be more active in the free agent market, as they are able to address roster issues and make key acquisitions. Steelers are now in a position to target edge rushers, either through the draft or via free agency.
Adding to the complexities of the Steelers’ offseason is the unresolved quarterback situation involving **Justin Fields** and **Russell Wilson**. Pittsburgh faces an important decision about the future of both quarterbacks. Both have shown the ability to become starters, but their team must make a choice. Wilson is older than Fields and Fields has more upside. A release or a trade of Wilson would be plausible. This, even though Wilson signed only a year-long contract and will not have a significant impact on cap space. Steelers management understands that it is necessary to make hard decisions in order to best optimize the team for the coming season.
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