Former Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher a 'name to watch' for Tennessee Titans

Former Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher a 'name to watch' for Tennessee Titans originally appeared on The Sporting News

The Tennessee Titans might be eyeing a former Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher in free agency.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Titans are "opening to adding on defense via free agency" and he specifically mentions former Steelers EDGE Preston Smith as a "name to watch" for Tennessee.

"Tennessee is open to adding on defense via free agency," Fowler wrote. "Pass rusher and corner would be two spots to watch there. One name to watch: veteran defensive end Preston Smith."

Smith was a surprise acquisition for the Steelers at last year's trade deadline. While all the attention at the time was on Pittsburgh adding a wide receiver, they unexpectedly added to a position that was already a strength, also.

However, Smith did not pan out for Pittsburgh, even though he believed he was going to a more advantageous situation thanks to the Steelers' 3-4 defense, an alignment that Smith thinks is the best for him.

Smith appeared in eight games and tallied two sacks, but he was also inactive for two of the team's last three games, including the playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Smith never played more than 28 snaps in any game for Pittsburgh.

Prior to his 4.5-sack campaign in 2024, Smith posted six seasons with eight or more sacks, with the most recent coming in 2023. He'd be a welcomed addition for a Tennessee team that needs more juice in its pass rush.

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