The Green Bay Packers wanted to open the door to more opportunities for the team’s young edge rushers, so general manager Brian Gutekunst sent soon-to-be 32-year-old defensive end Preston Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers at Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.

Former Packers’ OLB Preston Smith’s unexpected trade to the Steelers adds valuable depth to the defense, and was surprising to fans alike.

Packers fans wish Preston Smith well after trade, feel seventh-round pick from Steelers wasn't a sufficient return. NFL Twitter reacts. For the second straight season, the Green Bay Packers shipped a veteran defensive player at the trade deadline to an AFC team for draft capital and to shed salary cap.