The Pittsburgh Steelers made the expected acquisition of a veteran receiver ahead of the NFL's trade deadline, trading for former New York Jets wideout Mike Williams. Pittsburgh then surprised many when they traded for former Green Bay Packers edge rusher Preston Smith, who told reporters on Wednesday that he had asked for a trade weeks earlier.

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.

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.