Steelers Release Preston Smith, Restructure Coaching Staff

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released veteran linebacker Preston Smith in a move aimed at freeing up significant salary cap space. Acquired from the Green Bay Packers last November for a seventh-round draft pick, Smith's tenure with the Steelers was brief and underwhelming, recording only two sacks in eight games. His release saves the team over $13 million in cap space for 2025 and over $14 million for 2026. Head coach Mike Tomlin is also restructuring the coaching staff, releasing defensive coaches Grady Brown and Aaron Curry due to recurring late-season defensive lapses. The Steelers' offseason moves, including Smith's release, reflect a strategic revamp following their early playoff exit, as they aim to strengthen the roster for a deeper postseason run next season.