Trade talks are absolutely blowing up around Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith, with multiple NFL teams reportedly making serious inquiries. Tom Pelissero from The Ringer just dropped the intel, citing Noah Strackbein of Sports Illustrated, and let me tell you, this could get wild.
The Edge Rusher Logjam Is Real
Pelissero’s report makes it clear: other teams have been hitting up the Steelers about Highsmith since last year, and Pittsburgh’s answer has always been a hard no. But things are different now. The Steelers have a *major* logjam at edge rusher that’s forcing their hand. T.J. Watt, at 32 years old, is playing out of his mind, turning back the clock with a stellar performance this season. Meanwhile, younger guys like Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer are carving out part time roles and making noise. Highsmith himself is only 29, right in his prime, and that makes him incredibly valuable. You can bet your bottom dollar those calls are only going to ramp up as the deadline gets closer.
The Inevitable Decision Is Coming
Here’s where it gets truly interesting, and a little brutal for one of these guys. The Steelers gave Nick Herbig a monster $100 million extension in the offseason. That deal makes it practically a done deal that Herbig is grabbing one of those starting edge spots in 2027. So, you do the math: one of Alex Highsmith or T.J. Watt simply won’t be in Pittsburgh come 2027. Highsmith is heading into the final year of his current deal in 2027, and he’s got zero guaranteed money left on it. That makes him a prime trade candidate for *next* offseason, without a doubt.
Now, don’t hold your breath for a trade *this* season, even with all the buzz. The Steelers are apparently trying to make one more championship run with Aaron Rodgers under center. So, moving Highsmith right now seems super unlikely. But come next March? That’s a whole different ballgame. The writing is on the wall, and a major shake up is coming to that edge rusher group.
This situation is a huge decision for Pittsburgh’s defense. They’re gearing up for a tough Week 8 battle against the Browns, with their current “run” hanging in the balance. It’s clear the Steelers have some serious choices ahead, and the future of their defensive front is definitely something to keep an eye on.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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