### Steelers Make Key Acquisitions on Deadline Day: Mike Williams and Preston Smith Join the Squad

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers made significant moves on Tuesday by acquiring Jets wide receiver Mike Williams and Packers pass rusher Preston Smith in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2025 seventh-round selection, respectively. These acquisitions aim to enhance the team's receiving corps and bolster its defensive front as the Steelers prepare for a critical stretch of AFC North matchups.

In the trade for Williams, the Steelers have added a player to complement top wideout George Pickens. Pickens, who has been under constant defensive scrutiny since Pittsburgh traded Diontae Johnson to the Panthers, now gets some relief with Williams' presence. The 6-foot-4 wide receiver brings an imposing physical presence and jump ball skills to a roster that features smaller, faster players. This move is expected to diversify the Steelers' passing game, which has seen improvement since Russell Wilson became the starting quarterback.

Williams' departure from the Jets came after the team acquired Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders on October 15. The trade left the Jets' receiving lineup thin until Allen Lazard returns from injured reserve, potentially in Week 14. Williams, previously criticized by quarterback Aaron Rodgers for running the wrong route, had seen limited action in recent games despite Lazar's absence. Williams signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Jets, but his impact remained minimal, with only 12 catches for 166 yards over nine games.

The acquisition of Preston Smith aims to address the Steelers' injury-plagued pass-rushing unit. With Alex Highsmith missing three games due to a groin injury and second-year player Nick Herbig sidelined for three games with a hamstring issue, Smith's veteran presence becomes invaluable. Smith, with 2.5 sacks and 19 tackles this season, will contribute both in pass-rushing and run defense. His arrival ensures depth and experience for the Steelers as they navigate through the remainder of the season.

Smith's tenure with the Packers appears to be at an end, given his reduced playing time and high salary for next season. At 31, Smith joins the Steelers after a successful stint with the Packers and Washington Football Team, bringing a decade of NFL experience. His departure leaves the Packers with only two players aged 30 or older: kicker Brandon McManus and linebacker Eric Wilson. This trade opens up more opportunities for younger players like Lukas Van Ness and Kingsley Enagbare to step up in Green Bay.

Steelers' head coach Mike Tomlin expressed confidence in the team's strengthened roster. "I just feel like we have a group that's hardworking and capable and can't wait to show the football world those capabilities every time we step into a stadium," said Tomlin.

These strategic moves indicate the Steelers' commitment to making a strong push for success this season. Fans will eagerly watch to see how Williams and Smith integrate into the team and contribute to its performance in the coming games.