The Packers are trading the veteran edge rusher to the Steelers

The Packers said goodbye to a veteran pass rusher.

According to multiple reports, edge rusher is Preston Smith will be sent to Pittsburgh for a seventh-round pick.

Smith, who turns 32 on November 17, has been a starter and solid defensive performer over the past six seasons.

He is credited with 19 total tackles and 2.5 sacks this season, but Green Bay has expressed a desire to get younger on both sides of the ball. The Packers only have two players 30 or older: kicker Brandon McManus (33) and linebacker Eric Wilson (30).

The move will free up a larger role for 2023 first-round pick Lukas Van Ness and 2022 fifth-round pick Kingsley Enagbare. Former Michigan star Rashan Gary anchors the Packers' defensive line.

Smith will join one of the NFL's best defenses with the Steelers, likely as a rotation player alongside stars TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith.

Smith was drafted by Washington out of Mississippi State in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He played in DC throughout the 2018 season before signing a four-year, $52 million contract with Green Bay in 2019.

He has a career total of 430 tackles, 68.5 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, 6 fumble recoveries and 2 interceptions. He also scored 2 touchdowns.