The Green Bay Packers were the winners of their trade-deadline day deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers for various reasons.
Preston Smith struggled to adjust to the new scheme under Jeff Hafley and wanted out, and the Packers landed a seventh-rounder from the Steelers. It turned into a 100 percent win for Green Bay.
Not only did moving Smith provide the Packers with significant salary-cap savings, but it also allowed Brenton Cox Jr. to play significant snaps, which he took advantage of. Beyond that, Smith's time in Pittsburgh didn't exactly go to plan.
After making a sack in his Steelers debut, Smith struggled to make a consistent impact and eventually lost snaps. Pittsburgh made him a healthy scratch in its playoff game and released him in February to save cap space.
The Packers were smart to move on when they did. Now, they've finally used the pick to select Tulane defensive back Micah Robinson.
Packers' Day 3 pick finalizes the Preston Smith trade with Steelers
Packers receive
- DB Micah Robinson
Steelers receive
- DE Preston Smith
The Packers will take that. On top of freeing up cap space and giving opportunities to their young pass-rushers like Cox and Arron Mosby, they get the chance to add a developmental prospect to the roster.
Green Bay adds a versatile piece to the secondary. Robinson has a shot at making the 53-man roster and provides much-needed depth at cornerback after losing Eric Stokes, Corey Ballentine, and Robert Rochell.
Green Bay has strengthened in various positions of need, most notably wide receiver. First-round pick Matthew Golden and third-rounder Savion Williams give the Packers a crowded room, which will lead to tough decisions on whether to bring back Christian Watson or Romeo Doubs next offseason.
Brian Gutekunst turned his attention to the defense on Day 3, adding two players who can help fill the void left by Smith: pass-rushers Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver.
It's rare to win a trade that swaps a veteran player at a premium position for a seventh-round pick, but the Packers' decision to move on from Smith has paid off beautifully.