N※N

Packers Face Decision on Star Edge Rusher Preston Smith

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. -decision-on-star-edge-rusher-preston-smith.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, February 10th 2026 at 21:09 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Tennessee, UNITED STATES

Green Bay, WI - February 11th, 2026 - The Green Bay Packers find themselves at a critical juncture with veteran edge rusher Preston Smith. As the free agency period looms, the anticipated demands for Smith's services are escalating, and a bidding war appears likely. With Spotrac currently estimating his market value at a hefty $48 million per year, the Packers are facing a significant decision: retain a proven pass rusher at a premium price, or allow him to test the open market and seek a potentially cheaper alternative. The situation is drawing keen interest from several teams, most notably the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Tennessee Titans.

Smith, a consistently reliable performer for the Packers, has established himself as a veteran presence and productive force on the defensive line. While not a generational talent, his steady contributions and experience make him a valuable asset in a league increasingly prioritizing pass rush. Over the past few seasons, Smith has averaged over eight sacks per year, demonstrating a consistent ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. However, with the Packers navigating a complex salary cap situation and aiming to build for the future through younger players, the financial commitment required to keep Smith in Green Bay may be deemed unsustainable.

The Steelers' Urgent Need:

Pittsburgh, under head coach Omar Harris, has been actively rebuilding its defense over the past two years. While they've invested heavily in the secondary, their pass rush has lagged behind, hindering their ability to consistently disrupt opposing offenses. T.J. Watt remains a formidable force, but the Steelers desperately need a complementary edge rusher to alleviate the double-teams Watt often receives. Smith would provide that immediate upgrade, allowing both players to command more attention and open up opportunities for other defenders. The Steelers have expressed interest in several free agent pass rushers, but Smith's proven track record and relatively low risk - given his consistency - make him a particularly attractive option. Reports suggest the Steelers have already begun preliminary contract discussions with Smith's agent.

Raiders Aim to Solidify Defensive Front:

The Las Vegas Raiders, led by defensive coordinator Julian Vance, have been in a state of flux defensively for several years. Despite significant investment in personnel, they've struggled to consistently pressure the quarterback and stop the run. Vance is implementing a more aggressive defensive scheme, and Smith would fit seamlessly into his plans. The Raiders have a need for a veteran presence on the defensive line, a player who can both rush the passer and set the edge against the run. While they drafted promising defensive ends in the past two drafts, those players still require development. Smith offers immediate impact and leadership. The Raiders are also likely to explore other free agent options, but their financial flexibility allows them to be aggressive in pursuing top-tier talent like Smith.

Titans Seek Defensive Line Reinforcements:

Tennessee, under new ownership and a revamped coaching staff, is embarking on a full-scale rebuild. Their defense, once a cornerstone of their success, has fallen on hard times in recent years. The Titans have prioritized addressing the defensive line in the draft, but they recognize the need for veteran stability and leadership. Smith would fill that role admirably, providing a consistent presence and a reliable pass rush. Furthermore, Smith's experience could be invaluable in mentoring the Titans' younger defensive players. While the Titans may not be willing to match the highest offers, they are expected to be competitive in the bidding process.

The Packers' Dilemma and Potential Outcomes:

The Packers' decision hinges on their long-term vision and financial constraints. If they believe they can adequately replace Smith with a younger, cheaper player through the draft or free agency, they are likely to let him walk. However, losing Smith would leave a significant void in their pass rush, potentially hindering their ability to compete in a highly competitive NFC. A dark horse scenario could involve a restructured contract offer from the Packers, but given Smith's anticipated market value, this seems unlikely.

The coming weeks will be crucial as teams begin to actively negotiate with free agents. Preston Smith is poised to be one of the most sought-after players on the market, and the Steelers, Raiders, and Titans are all positioned to make a strong push to secure his services. The outcome of this free agent pursuit will have significant implications for all involved teams as they strive to build competitive rosters for the 2026 season.