The Pittsburgh Steelers have cut ties with outside linebacker Preston Smith. Pittsburgh acquired Smith via trade with the Green Bay Packers this past season, and he is the first big release they have made leading up to free agency.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released outside linebacker Preston Smith, the team announced on Friday, an expected move that will come with significant salary-cap savings.

Donte Jackson impressed during his lone season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and now the standout defensive back could land a new deal elsewhere in free agency. One NFL analyst believes he'll end up with the New York Giants.