Man, talk about a curveball right out of training camp! The Pittsburgh Steelers are staring down a huge question mark with their star edge rusher Alex Highsmith, and it all boils down to a massive contract handed out to Nick Herbig. Highsmith could be looking at his final year with the team. It’s a wild thought that he could be in his final year after Herbig just locked down a four-year, $100 million extension. That kind of money makes you wonder about the long-term plan, doesn’t it? Highsmith already had to talk about his future after Friday’s practice, and you just know that conversation was heavy, weighing on everyone’s mind in Latrobe.
Thin Ranks and Key Returns
It’s not just about edge rushers either, folks. The safety depth for the Steelers is seriously thin right now. Like, *really* thin. Never a good sign heading into the preseason. They actually had to bring in a veteran safety for a workout, a dude who just played for the Cleveland Browns in 2025. Think about that for a second. You don’t do that if you’re feeling stacked at the position, right? It clearly shows they’re scrambling a bit to shore things up and find some reliable talent before the real games begin.
But hey, at least some good news came out of camp! Offensive tackle Broderick Jones is back in action after dealing with a neck injury. And get this, he’s feeling great, saying he totally believes he’s still a starting-caliber player. That’s massive for the offensive line, having a guy like him confident and ready to anchor things down. You absolutely need that kind of self-belief and drive, especially when you’re coming off a setback like an injury. It’s the kind of grit that can define a season.
McCarthy’s Stamp on Steel City
Head Coach Mike McCarthy is already making his presence felt in a big way at Saint Vincent College. His “thumbprint” was totally visible during Friday’s practice, showing everyone his vision for the team is taking hold fast. McCarthy has laid out his “Steeler Six,” which are his six core fundamentals for the squad. He’s all about building that rock-solid foundation, drilling those principles into every player. And it’s not just about the Xs and Os for him, either. McCarthy’s return to Pittsburgh, his hometown, is super personal. He’s spoken openly about how it connects to his family and the grief he carries for his brother. That kind of raw honesty and realness from a coach? That resonates with the whole team, you can bet on it. It’s more than just football; it’s about building a true culture.
As training camp rolls on and the Steelers get ready for preseason action, all eyes are going to be glued to that safety spot and how Highsmith’s contract situation ultimately plays out. Will they keep their star edge rusher long-term, or is this really it? And will those “Steeler Six” fundamentals McCarthy is preaching truly click and transform this team? We’ll be watching every single snap to find out what’s next for Pittsburgh.
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.
Leave a Reply