ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Commanders are going to sign veteran pass rusher Preston Smith, a source told ESPN, bolstering a defensive line that just lost one of its starters.
Commanders defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr., was placed on injured reserve earlier this week after suffering a season-ending torn left quadriceps in a Week 2 loss at Green Bay. Washington had signed Wise in the offseason, wanting to strengthen its run defense with a powerful edge setter.
Smith, meanwhile, returns to the organization that drafted him in the second round in 2015. Smith played four seasons with Washington, recording 24.5 sacks, before joining the Packers via free agency in 2019. He played for the Packers until they traded him to the Steelers for a seventh-round pick midway through last season.
Smith has 70.4 career sacks, with 44 coming during his time with the Packers. He finished with two sacks in eight games last season for the Steelers.
At 6-foot-5, 265 pounds, Smith offers versatility; he can rush from the end or inside as well as from a stand-up position. He has played in both four- and three-man fronts. The Commanders like to use different fronts and line packages.
