Steelers Acquire Mike Williams and Preston Smith

The Pittsburgh Steelers made significant moves at the trade deadline by acquiring wide receiver Mike Williams from the New York Jets and outside linebacker Preston Smith from the Green Bay Packers. Williams, who struggled to find a role after an ACL tear last season, aims to bolster the Steelers' receiving corps alongside George Pickens, while Smith adds depth to a talented but thin outside linebacker group. Pittsburgh traded a fifth-round pick for Williams and a seventh-round pick for Smith, signaling a shift from their traditional preference for homegrown talent. These acquisitions come as the Steelers (6-2) lead the AFC North and prepare for a challenging second half of the season. Coach Mike Tomlin emphasized the importance of being proactive in the trade market to enhance the team's championship aspirations. Both players will don their previous jersey numbers, with Williams wearing No. 18 and Smith No. 91, as they integrate into the Steelers' lineup.