Preston Demarquis Smith Bio
Preston Demarquis Smith is an American professional football linebacker who currently plays for the Washington Commanders of the National Football League (NFL). Born on November 17, 1992, in Atlanta, Georgia, Smith has built a notable career as a pass-rushing specialist and reliable defensive playmaker. He was selected by the Washington Redskins in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft and has since established himself as a productive edge defender across multiple franchises. Smith’s career trajectory includes significant stops with the Green Bay Packers, where he emerged as a consistent double-digit sack threat, and the Pittsburgh Steelers before returning to Washington in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Smith grew up in Stone Mountain, Georgia, where he attended Stephenson High School. During his high school career, he developed into a versatile defensive player capable of making plays both against the run and in pass coverage. Despite being rated as a two-star recruit by 247sports.com and Scout.com, and a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, Smith attracted attention from several college programs. He ultimately chose to continue his football journey at Mississippi State University over offers from Kentucky, Syracuse, and West Virginia, among others.
At Stephenson High School, Smith established himself as a player with high upside, showcasing the physical tools that would serve him well at the collegiate level. His selection of Mississippi State reflected his desire to compete in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), one of the most competitive football conferences in the nation.
Path to the NFL
Smith arrived at Mississippi State in 2011 and immediately contributed as a true freshman, appearing in eight games during the 2011 season. He recorded his first career forced fumble in a 31-3 victory over Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl, providing an early glimpse of his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. The following year, Smith appeared in all 13 games and led the Bulldogs with 4.5 sacks, demonstrating his emerging potential as a pass rusher.
His junior season in 2013 saw him record 2.5 sacks, including a two-sack performance in a loss to LSU. However, it was his senior season in 2014 that truly elevated Smith’s draft stock. He opened the year by winning SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors in each of the first three weeks. Smith recorded two interceptions that season, including an acrobatic one-handed interception return for a touchdown against UAB, showcasing rare coverage skills for a defensive lineman. He finished his senior campaign with 42 tackles, nine sacks, and two interceptions, earning First-team All-SEC honors. His impressive performance led scouts to project him as a potential fourth-round pick heading into the 2015 NFL Draft.
Preston Demarquis Smith Career
Washington Redskins (2015-2018)
The Washington Redskins selected Smith with the 38th overall pick in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft, making him the seventh defensive end selected that year. He signed a four-year, $5.77 million contract that included $3.16 million guaranteed and a $2.46 million signing bonus. During training camp, Smith competed for the backup right outside linebacker position against veteran Trent Murphy. After Junior Galette suffered a season-ending injury, Smith was named the backup right outside linebacker to start the regular season.
Smith made his professional debut in the season opener against the Miami Dolphins, making two solo tackles, forcing two fumbles, recovering a fumble, and recording his first career sack on quarterback Ryan Tannehill for a 13-yard loss. He earned his first career start in Week 13 against the Chicago Bears and recorded his first solo tackle in that victory. In Week 16, he recorded three sacks on Sam Bradford during a 38-24 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, earning Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week honors. He finished his rookie season with 35 combined tackles, eight sacks, four pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery in 16 games.
The Redskins finished 9-7 and clinched the NFC East title. In his first playoff appearance, Smith recorded three combined tackles, a sack, and the first safety in franchise playoff history during a loss to the Green Bay Packers. In 2016, after Galette’s injury, Smith became the starting right outside linebacker. He recorded two sacks and his first career interception in a win against the Minnesota Vikings. The 2017 season saw Smith tie his season-high of eight sacks while adding two interceptions and a fumble recovery. In 2018, he recovered a fumble in the end zone for his first career touchdown and recorded his fourth career interception against Deshaun Watson.
Green Bay Packers Era (2019-2024)
On March 14, 2019, Smith signed with the Green Bay Packers on a four-year, $52 million contract. In his debut against the Chicago Bears, he recorded five tackles and 1.5 sacks in a 10-3 victory. His breakout performance came in Week 3 against the Denver Broncos, where he sacked Joe Flacco three times and forced a fumble, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. He continued his strong play with multiple sack performances throughout the season, including games against Detroit and Carolina. In the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Seattle Seahawks, Smith recorded two sacks on Russell Wilson, including one at the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter. He finished the 2019 season with 56 tackles, 12 sacks, and four pass deflections.
Smith continued as a key component of the Packers defense in 2020, recording his second career touchdown on a fumble recovery against Mitchell Trubisky in a Sunday Night Football victory. He rebounded in 2021 with nine sacks as a full-time starter while teammate Za’Darius Smith was injured for most of the year. On March 14, 2022, Smith signed a four-year, $52.5 million extension with the Packers through the 2026 season. During the 2024 offseason, Smith switched positions from outside linebacker to defensive end under new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s 4-3 defense. He started nine games and recorded 19 tackles and 2.5 sacks before requesting a trade, which the Packers granted.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2024-2025)
On November 5, 2024, the Packers traded Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With the Steelers utilizing a 3-4 defense, Smith returned to the outside linebacker position. He told the media that he was not comfortable with his role as a defensive end under Hafley’s system and had requested the trade. Smith was released by the Steelers on February 14, 2025.
Washington Commanders (2025-Present)
Smith returned to Washington on September 17, 2025, signing with the Commanders. This homecoming brought the veteran defender back to the franchise that originally selected him a decade earlier. Smith brings extensive experience and a proven track record of production to a Commanders defense looking to build around established veterans.
Playing Style and Strengths
Smith is known for his versatility along the defensive line, capable of playing multiple positions in both 4-3 and 3-4 schemes. His combination of size (6’5″, 265 lbs) and agility allows him to rush the passer effectively while also holding up against the run. Smith has demonstrated above-average coverage skills for his position, evidenced by his five career interceptions. He excels as a pass rusher with a variety of moves and techniques to defeat offensive tackles, and he has shown the ability to make game-changing plays, including forced fumbles and fumble recoveries.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Smith has accumulated several notable achievements. His 12-sack season with the Packers in 2019 represented a career high, earning him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. His rookie season performance, including a three-sack game against Philadelphia and earning Rookie of the Week, established him as a promising young defender. His ability to create turnovers stands out, with 10 career forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries demonstrating his knack for disrupting opposing offenses at critical moments.
Preston Demarquis Smith Career Wins
Smith has established himself as a productive pass rusher throughout his NFL career, accumulating significant sack totals across multiple franchises. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and create negative plays has made him a valuable piece of each defense he has joined.
NFL Highlights
Through his career, Smith has recorded 71 career sacks across regular season play. His most prolific season came in 2019 with the Packers, when he tallied 12 sacks and earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors following his three-sack performance against Denver. His 2015 rookie season saw him record eight sacks, including a three-sack performance against Philadelphia. Smith has consistently contributed between six and 12 sacks per season when receiving significant playing time. In the postseason, Smith has added multiple sacks, including two against Russell Wilson in the 2019 Divisional Round against Seattle.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his sack totals, Smith has contributed 467 career tackles, 10 forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries, 28 pass deflections, and five interceptions. His two career defensive touchdowns demonstrate his ability to make splash plays that directly impact game outcomes. His versatility as a defender who can rush the passer, stop the run, and contribute in coverage makes him a three-down player in any defensive scheme.
Preston Demarquis Smith Family
Family Background
Limited verified information is available regarding Smith’s family background. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and attended high school in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Public records indicate he maintains connections to the Atlanta area, though specific details about parents or siblings have not been publicly confirmed.
Personal Life
Smith is active on social media, maintaining verified accounts on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). He continues to reside in the league as of 2025, currently playing for the Washington Commanders. Information regarding marital status, spouse, or children has not been publicly disclosed and remains private.
2025 Season Performance
Smith joined the Washington Commanders in September 2025, returning to the franchise that originally drafted him in 2015. This reunion provides Smith with an opportunity to contribute to a Commanders defense seeking experienced leadership. His tenure with the Steelers in 2024 saw limited production as he adjusted to a new scheme following the mid-season trade. The Commanders represent a fresh start where Smith can leverage his versatility and experience in a familiar defensive environment. His ability to rush the passer and create turnovers will be valuable assets as the Commanders look to build a competitive roster around their core players.