Preston Smith (linebacker)

Smith attended Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain, Georgia. He was rated as a two-star recruit by 247sports.com,{{Cite web |title=Preston Smith |url=https://247sports.com/Player/Preston-Smith-8606/?Institution=9604 |access-date=October 26, 2014 |website=247sports.com}} and Scout.com,{{Cite web |title=Preston Smith |url=http://minnesota.scout.com/a.z?s=176&p=8&c=1&nid=4850977 |access-date=October 26, 2014 |website=Scout.com}} and a three-star recruit by Rivals.com.{{Cite web |title=Preston Smith |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Preston-Smith-108181 |access-date=October 26, 2014 |website=Rivals.com}} He chose to play for the Mississippi State Bulldogs over offers from Kentucky, Syracuse, and West Virginia, among others.

Smith appeared in 8 games as a true freshman in 2011 season, recording a forced fumble in a 31–3 win over Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl. In 2012, Smith appeared in all 13 games and led the Bulldogs with 4.5 sacks. As a junior in 2013, Smith recorded 2.5 sacks, including 2.0 in a 59–26 loss to LSU.{{Cite web |date=October 5, 2013 |title=No. 10 LSU pulls away to beat Mississippi State |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/332780344 |access-date=October 5, 2013 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}}

Smith started the 2014 season with a bang, winning the Southeastern Conference Defensive Lineman of the Week Award in each of the first three weeks.{{Cite web |last=Bonner |first=Michael |date=September 15, 2014 |title=Preston Smith wins third consecutive SEC weekly award |url=http://www.clarionledger.com/story/mississippistatesports/2014/09/15/msu-preston-smith-sec-three-time-winner/15692023/ |access-date=October 26, 2014 |website=ClarionLedger.com |publisher=The Clarion-Ledger}} Smith recorded an interception in the Bulldogs' 49–0 rout of Southern Miss,{{Cite web |date=August 30, 2014 |title=Mississippi St beats Southern Miss 49–0 |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400548009 |access-date=October 26, 2014 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} and returned another acrobatic, one-handed interception for a touchdown in the Bulldogs' win over UAB.{{Cite web |date=September 6, 2014 |title=Mississippi State beats UAB 47–34 |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400548017 |access-date=October 26, 2014 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} Smith ended the season with 42 tackles, nine sacks, two interceptions and a touchdown.

At the end of his senior season, Smith was projected as a fourth-round pick in the 2015 NFL draft by CBS and NFL Draft Scout.{{Cite web |title=2015 DE rankings |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/2015/DE |access-date=October 26, 2014 |website=CBSsports.com}}{{Cite web |title=Preston Smith |url=http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=97706&draftyear=2015&genpos=DE |access-date=October 26, 2014 |website=NFLDraftScout.com}}

{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 6

| height in = 4 7/8

| weight = 271

| dash = 4.74

| ten split = 1.60

| twenty split = 2.73

| shuttle = 4.28

| cone drill = 7.07

| vertical = 34

| broad ft = 10

| broad in = 1

| bench = 24

| wonderlic =

| arm span = 34

| hand span = 10 5/8

| note = All values from NFL Combine{{Cite web |title=Preston Smith Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/preston-smith/3200534d-4957-6520-2f34-43aab9b8dc7b |access-date=August 3, 2018 |publisher=National Football League}}{{Cite web |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=97706&DraftYear=2015 |title=Preston Smith College Football Profile |website=DraftScout.com |access-date=November 17, 2024}}

}}

The Washington Redskins selected Smith in the second round with the 38th overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft.{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/draft.htm |access-date=September 19, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference}} Smith was the seventh defensive end drafted in 2015.{{Cite web |last=Mink, Nate |date=May 1, 2015 |title=2015 NFL Draft: Who is Preston Smith? Washington picks Mississippi State DL in second round |url=http://www.syracuse.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/05/2015_nfl_draft_preston_smith_washington_second_round.html |access-date=May 5, 2015 |publisher=Syracuse.com}}

On May 11, 2015, the Redskins signed Smith to a four-year, $5.77 million contract that includes $3.16 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $2.46 million.{{Cite web |last=Keim |first=John |date=May 15, 2015 |title=Preston Smith's contract breakdown |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/washington-commanders/post/_/id/17424/preston-smiths-contract-breakdown |access-date=May 25, 2015 |publisher=ESPN}}{{Cite web |last=Kring-Schreifels |first=Jake |date=May 11, 2015 |title=Preston Smith Signs His Redskins Contract |url=http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/blog/article-1/Preston-Smith-Signs-His-Redskins-Contract-/aa63313e-65ce-49bf-ad1f-587be96c950a |access-date=May 25, 2015 |website=Redskins.com}}{{Cite web |title=Spotrac.com: Preston Smith contract |url=https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/washington-redskins/preston-smith-16762/ |access-date=August 3, 2018 |website=Spotrac.com}} Throughout training camp, Smith competed to be the backup right outside linebacker against veteran Trent Murphy. Head coach Jay Gruden named Smith the backup right outside linebacker to start the regular season, behind Murphy, after Junior Galette sustained a season-ending injury.{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=Mike |date=September 6, 2015 |title=Trent Murphy beats out Preston Smith for starting outside linebacker spot |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/football-insider/wp/2015/09/06/trent-murphy-beats-out-preston-smith-for-starting-outside-linebacker-spot/ |access-date=July 28, 2020 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}

He made his professional regular season debut in the Washington Redskins' season-opener against the Miami Dolphins and made two solo tackles, forced two fumbles, a fumble recovery, and made his first career sack as they lost 17–10. During the third quarter, Smith recovered a fumble he caused while making his first career sack on quarterback Ryan Tannehill for a 13-yard loss.{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at Washington Redskins – September 13th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201509130was.htm |access-date=December 5, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 13, Smith earned his first career start and recorded one solo tackle as the Redskins earned a 24–21 victory at the Chicago Bears. On December 26, 2015, Smith tied his season-high of four combined tackles (three solo) and also had a season-high three sacks on Sam Bradford during a 38–24 victory at the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16. His performance earned him the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week.{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Andrew |date=January 1, 2016 |title=Preston Smith Voted League's Rookie of the Week |url=http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/Preston-Smith-Voted-Leagues-Rookie-Of-The-Week/49583796-246d-429c-bf37-0145845653d6 |access-date=January 31, 2016 |website=Redskins.com}} He finished his rookie campaign with 35 combined tackles (24 solo), eight sacks, four pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in 16 games and 2 starts.{{Cite web |title=Preston Smith 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SmitPr00/gamelog/2015/ |access-date=December 5, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

The Redskins finished first in the NFC East with a 9–7 record and clinched a playoff berth. On January 10, 2016, Smith appeared in his first career playoff game and recorded three combined tackles, a sack, and earned the first safety during a 35–18 loss against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wildcard Game.{{Cite web |last=Czarda |first=Stephen |title=Ryan Kerrigan Sees Growth in Preston Smith, Explosiveness in Junior Galette |url=http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/Ryan-Kerrigan-Sees-Growth-In-Preston-Smith-Explosiveness-In-Junior-Galette/c41ca808-3024-41ca-9697-9b23d885ca89 |access-date=May 27, 2016 |website=Redskins.com}}

In March 2016, Smith was voted as one of the best under-25 players in the NFL.{{Cite web |last=Harrison |first=Elliot |title=Teddy Bridgewater, Le'Veon Bell head All-Under-25 Team |url=http://www.nfl.com/photoessays/0ap3000000640570/teddy-bridgewater-leveon-bell-head-allunder25-team |access-date=May 27, 2016 |publisher=National Football League}} Smith entered training camp slated as a backup outside linebacker behind Junior Galette and Ryan Kerrigan. Head coach Jay Gruden named Smith the starting right outside linebacker after Junior Galette sustained a torn Achilles during the 2016 preseason.{{Cite news |last=Gulizia |first=Anthony |date=July 25, 2016 |title=Position breakdown: Preston Smith will be counted on after Junior Galette injury |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/jul/25/redskins-linebackers-preston-smith-junior-galette/ |access-date=September 26, 2017 |work=The Washington Times}} In a game against the Minnesota Vikings in November 2016, Smith had two sacks, along with his first career interception, helping the Redskins to a 26–20 win.{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=Mike |title=Preston Smith finally has the breakout game the Redskins have been pleading for |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/preston-smith-finally-has-the-breakout-game-the-redskins-have-been-pleading-for/2016/11/13/29278b22-a9ed-11e6-8b45-f8e493f06fcd_story.html |access-date=November 14, 2016 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}

File:Dsc 0345 29370185287 o (50121533852).jpg

Smith had a strong performance in the 2017 win against the Arizona Cardinals recording a sack, his second career interception, and a fumble recovery caused by Anthony Lanier.{{Cite news |last=Martin |first=Kimberley |date=December 17, 2017 |title='The sky is the limit for him': Anthony Lanier delivers breakout game for Redskins |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/the-sky-is-the-limit-for-him-anthony-lanier-delivers-breakout-game-for-redskins/2017/12/17/616da3e6-e370-11e7-a65d-1ac0fd7f097e_story.html |access-date=August 11, 2018 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}{{Cite web |last=Whyno |first=Stephen |date=December 18, 2017 |title=Smith, Lanier Handle Gabbert; Redskins Beat Cardinals 20–15 |url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/sports/Smith-Lanier-Handle-Gabbert-Redskins-Beat-Cardinals-20-15-464998463.html |access-date=December 17, 2018 |website=NBCWashington.com}} In the last game of the season, Smith recorded his third career interception on New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning.{{Cite web |date=December 31, 2017 |title=Giants close dismal season with 18–10 win over Washington |url=https://wtop.com/washington-redskins/2017/12/giants-close-dismal-season-with-18-10-win-over-washington/slide/1/ |access-date=December 17, 2018 |website=WTOP.com}} In the 2017 season, he tied his season-high of eight sacks.

In 2018, Smith recovered a fumble caused by Ryan Kerrigan in the end zone helping to seal the Week 7 win against the Dallas Cowboys and recording his first career touchdown.{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=Mike |date=October 21, 2018 |title=What style points? NFC East-leading Redskins win with rugged approach |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/mike-jones/2018/10/21/washington-redskins-show-they-have-winning-formula-sans-style-points/1724861002/ |access-date=December 17, 2018 |work=USA Today}} Smith recorded his fourth career interception against Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson in Week 11.{{Cite web |last=Homler |first=Ryan |date=November 18, 2018 |title=Redskins Fall Just Short To Texans in Week 11 Matchup |url=https://www.redskins.com/news/redskins-texans-highlights-week-11-matchup |access-date=December 17, 2018 |website=Redskins.com}}

{{clear}}

File:Preston Smith Packers 2022 (cropped).jpg

On March 14, 2019, Smith signed with the Packers on a four-year, $52 million contract.{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=March 12, 2019 |title=Packers add trio of high-priced free agent defenders |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/packers-add-trio-of-high-priced-free-agent-defenders-0ap3000001022114 |access-date=March 13, 2019 |publisher=National Football League}}{{Cite web |date=March 14, 2019 |title=Packers sign four players |url=https://www.packers.com/news/packers-sign-four-players |access-date=December 5, 2020 |website=Packers.com}}

In Smith's debut as a Packer in Week 1 against the Bears, he made 5 tackles and sacked Mitchell Trubisky 1.5 times in the 10–3 win.{{Cite web |date=September 5, 2019 |title=Packers D, Aaron Rodgers beat Bears 10–3 in opener |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127913 |access-date=September 5, 2019 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} In Week 3 against the Denver Broncos, Smith sacked Joe Flacco 3 times and forced a fumble that was recovered by the Packers in the 27–16 win, earning him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.{{Cite web |date=September 22, 2019 |title=Packers remain unbeaten with 27–16 win over Broncos |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127925 |access-date=September 22, 2019 |publisher=ESPN}}{{Cite web |last=Bergman, Jeremy |date=September 25, 2019 |title=Daniel Jones, Deshaun Watson among Players of the Week |url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001058810/article/daniel-jones-deshaun-watson-among-players-of-the-week |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925132049/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001058810/article/daniel-jones-deshaun-watson-among-players-of-the-week |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 25, 2019 |publisher=National Football League}}

In week 6 against the Detroit Lions, Smith sacked Matthew Stafford 1.5 times in the 23–22 win.{{Cite web |date=October 13, 2019 |title=Packers get the calls, Crosby hits late FG to beat Lions |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128132 |access-date=October 13, 2019 |publisher=ESPN}}

In week 10 against the Carolina Panthers, Smith recorded 2 sacks on Kyle Allen in the 24–16 win.{{Cite web |date=November 10, 2019 |title=Packers' Jones scores 3 TDs in 24–16 win over Carolina |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127944 |access-date=November 10, 2019 |publisher=ESPN}}

In Week 16 against the Vikings, Smith recorded 3 tackles and 1.5 sacks during the 23–10 win.{{Cite web |title=Packers' Preston Smith: Half a sack on Monday night |date=December 24, 2019 |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/packers-preston-smith-half-a-sack-on-monday-night/}} In the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Seattle Seahawks, he recorded 2 sacks on Russell Wilson during the 28–23 win, including one at the 2-minute warning in the 4th quarter.{{Cite web |date=January 12, 2020 |title=Packers hold off Seahawks 28–23 to reach NFC title game |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401131042 |access-date=January 12, 2020 |publisher=ESPN |agency=Associated Press}} He finished the season with 56 tackles, 12 sacks and four pass deflections.{{Cite web |title=Packers' Preston Smith: Piles up 12 sacks in 2019 |date=January 20, 2020 |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/packers-preston-smith-piles-up-12-sacks-in-2019/}}

In Week 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Smith recorded his first full sack of the season on Jake Luton during the 24–20 win.{{Cite web |title=Jacksonville Jaguars at Green Bay Packers – November 15th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011150gnb.htm |access-date=November 20, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In Week 12 against the Bears on Sunday Night Football, Smith recorded three total tackles (one for loss) and sacked Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky once during the 41–25 win; he also recovered a fumble forced by teammate Za'Darius Smith on Trubisky and returned it for a 14-yard touchdown, the second score of his career.{{Cite web |title=Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers – November 29th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202011290gnb.htm |access-date=December 5, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

On March 12, 2021, Smith signed a new contract in Green Bay that reduced his base salary after a disappointing 2020 season, with performance incentives that could increase his total pay to eclipse the previous figure if he tallied 14 sacks during the season.{{Cite web |last=Kruse |first=Zach |date=March 12, 2021 |title=Preston Smith takes incentive-laden pay cut to stay with Packers |url=https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2021/03/12/preston-smith-takes-incentive-laden-pay-cut-to-stay-with-packers/ |access-date=August 18, 2022}} Smith rebounded in 2021, tallying 9 sacks as a full-time starter with Za'Darius Smith injured for most of the year, and tallying high grades from Pro Football Focus.{{Cite web |title=Preston Smith – Green Bay Packers |url=https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/preston-smith/9471 |access-date=November 16, 2022 |website=PFF.com}}

On March 14, 2022, Smith signed a four-year, $52.5 million extension with the Packers through the 2026 season.{{Cite web |date=March 14, 2022 |title=Packers sign LB Preston Smith to contract extension |url=https://www.packers.com/news/packers-sign-lb-preston-smith-to-contract-extension |access-date=March 14, 2022 |website=Packers.com}}

During the 2024 offseason, Smith switched positions from outside linebacker to defensive end after Green Bay's new defensive coordinator, Jeff Hafley, implemented a 4–3 defense.{{cite web|url=https://www.packers.com/news/like-fine-wine-preston-smith-still-setting-the-tone-in-year-10|work=Packers.com|title=Like 'fine wine,' Preston Smith still setting the tone in Year 10|date=June 18, 2024|accessdate=November 5, 2024|first=Wes|last=Hodkiewicz}} In 2024, he started nine games for the Packers and recorded 19 tackles and 2.5 sacks.{{cite web|url=https://www.packers.com/news/packers-announce-trade-with-steelers-2024|work=Packers.com|title=Packers announce trade with Steelers|date=November 5, 2024|accessdate=November 5, 2024}}

On November 5, 2024, the Packers traded Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft.{{cite web|url=https://www.steelers.com/news/steelers-acquire-smith-in-trade|work=Steelers.com|title=Steelers acquire Smith in trade|first=Teresa|last=Varley|date=November 5, 2024|accessdate=November 5, 2024}} With the Steelers using a 3–4 defense, Smith switched back to the outside linebacker position.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/preston-smith-says-he-requested-a-trade-steelers-defense-fits-him-better-than-packers|title=Preston Smith says he requested a trade, Steelers' defense fits him better than Packers'|first=Michael David|last=Smith|date=November 6, 2024|accessdate=November 6, 2024}} Smith told the media he was not comfortable with his new role as a defensive end in Hafley's defense and requested a trade, which the Packers granted.{{Cite web |last=Adamski |first=Chris |title=Preston Smith is happy to be a Steeler. Says a few weeks ago he requested a trade from the Packers {{!}} X |url=https://x.com/C_AdamskiTrib/status/1854243418626490390}}

Smith was released by the Steelers on February 14, 2025.{{cite web |last1=Pryor |first1=Brooke |title=Steelers release Preston Smith in cap-saving move |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43849094/steelers-release-preston-smith-cap-saving-move |website=ESPN |access-date=19 February 2025}}

{{Reflist}}

{{commons category}}

{{footballstats|espn=2577446}}

• [https://www.steelers.com/team/players-roster/preston-smith/ Pittsburgh Steelers bio]
• [http://www.hailstate.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205181802 Mississippi State Bulldogs bio]

{{Redskins2015DraftPicks}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Smith, Preston}}

Category:1992 births

Category:Living people

Category:American football defensive ends

Category:American football outside linebackers

Category:Mississippi State Bulldogs football players

Category:Players of American football from Atlanta

Category:Players of American football from DeKalb County, Georgia

Category:Washington Redskins players

Category:Green Bay Packers players

Category:Pittsburgh Steelers players