Steelers Release $52 Million Veteran Linebacker After Coaching Staff Shake-Up
Cost-cutting decisions can significantly impact a player’s career, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have made a major move this offseason. After finishing the 2024 season with a second consecutive 10-7 record, the team has started making roster adjustments. Despite offseason acquisitions, including Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson and veteran linebacker Preston Smith, the Steelers failed to improve their results. Wilson struggled due to injury, while Smith failed to make the impact expected of him.
Smith, who was traded from the Green Bay Packers, recorded just two sacks, 13 tackles, and three tackles for loss in eight games. His status as a healthy scratch in key games, including Week 17 against the Chiefs and the Wild Card loss to the Ravens, signaled his uncertain future.
On February 14, the Steelers made it official, announcing on social media: “We have released LB Preston Smith.” This move clears $13.4 million in salary cap space for 2025 and $14.1 million for 2026, while also allowing Smith to enter free agency ahead of the March 12 start date.
Despite hopes of revitalizing his career in Pittsburgh, Smith struggled to find a role behind starters T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. He played just 30% of the team’s defensive snaps, significantly lower than the 54% he had in Green Bay. Ironically, Smith had previously expressed frustration with his role in the Packers’ 3-4 system, only to find himself in a similar situation with the Steelers.
Coaching Changes: Mike Tomlin Fires Two Staff Members
The Steelers’ offseason shake-up didn’t stop with roster cuts. Head coach Mike Tomlin made additional changes, firing defensive backs coach Grady Brown and linebackers coach Aaron Curry.
Although both coaches had strong resumes—Curry helped Patrick Queen earn a Pro Bowl selection and developed rookie Payton Wilson, while Brown turned Joey Porter Jr. into a shutdown corner—the decision reportedly stemmed from repeated defensive lapses late in the season. According to Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo, breakdowns in coverage, particularly in games against the Colts and Cowboys, played a key role in Tomlin’s decision.
With these moves, Pittsburgh is clearly aiming for a fresh start heading into the next season.
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