Jets predicted to add former Steelers $52 million edge rusher

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Over the last few days, the New York Jets selected eight prospects in the 2025 NFL draft with the hopes of improving their roster and standing not only in the AFC East but the conference as a whole.

Last year, New York's defense wasn't terrible, but they weren't great either. They allowed 23.8 points per game (19th in the NFL in 2024) and 318.8 yards per game (fifth).

So far this offseason, they've lost Haason Reddick, D.J. Reed, Leki Fotu, Brandin Echols, Javon Kinlaw, Solomon Thomas and Ashtyn Davis in free agency and added Brandon Stephens, Andre Cisco, Byron Cowart, Jay Tufele, Derrick Nnadi and Kris Boyd.

They then drafted Azareye'h Thomas, Malachi Moore, Francisco Mauigoa and Tyler Baron to help out new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.

The Jets may still be looking for help before the season starts, and that would have to come in the form of a veteran signing. On Sunday, For The Win's Cory Woodroff predicted that New York will sign linebacker Preston Smith.

Smith, 32, played collegiately at Mississippi State from 2011-14, earning First-team All-SEC honors in his final season with the Bulldogs.

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Washington selected Smith in second round (No. 38 overall) of the 2015 NFL draft. He spent four seasons in Washington, before spending the next 5.5 with the Green Bay Packers and half of the last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In his 10-year professional career, he's appeared in 163 games and recorded 443 tackles (74 quarterback hits), 157 quarterback hits, 70.5 sacks, 27 passes defensed, 10 forced fumbles, seven fumbles recovered and five interceptions.

Last year, which was split between Green Bay and Pittsburgh, Smith earned a 64.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 89th out 211 edge rushers. He also received a 64.3 run-defense grade (79th) and a 59.3 pass-rush (110th).

Smith could play a rotational role in New York with Will McDonald IV and Jermaine Johnson, taking an already strong defensive front to the next level and potentially helping the Jets become a playoff team in their first year under new head coach Aaron Glenn.