Steelers' Alex Highsmith Detailed His Perspective On Bud Dupree Returning For 2023

The Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith has just wrapped up his third, and arguably his best, season in the league. 

Highsmith has the ultimate “underdog” story. A walk-on at UNC-Charlotte, Highsmith silenced his critics and became an integral part of their defense. He was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2020 draft. Now he is silencing critics in Pittsburgh as he continues to improve each season. 

During the 2022 season, Highsmith played the majority of the season without superstar TJ Watt across from him. Despite having the focus shift toward limiting his impact, he ended the season with a career-high 14.5 sacks making him sixth in the NFL. He also had 63 tackles and five forced fumbles. 

Pittsburgh Steelers Alex Highsmith On Bud Dupree

Highsmith appeared on the House of Yinzer podcast and talked about what it was like to have Bud Dupree as a mentor and what a possible return to the Steelers would mean to him.

When Highsmith joined the Steelers, Dupree and Watt were the senior members of the squad and acted as mentors. Highsmith was thrust into more of a starting role after Dupree tore his ACL during Week 12. Highsmith acknowledged the impact Dupree had on helping him transition.

"When he was here my locker was actually right next to his, so that was pretty cool. But he and TJ were both very helpful in bringing me up my rookie year and just helping me to get better. When he went down my rookie year with his injury, he was still encouraging me, telling me things in meetings and stuff like that. Helping me just be my best self."

Dupree left the Steelers in 2021 seeking more money. The Steelers were apparently not willing to pay him at the level that he wanted, especially not after his ACL injury and with a powerhouse like Highsmith waiting in the wings. Dupree signed a five-year deal with the Tennesse Titans for $82.5 million. 

While fans lamented letting Dupree go, the Steelers ended up looking like geniuses. Dupree has underperformed in Tennessee and his time there has been riddled with injuries. Now the Titans have decided to move on from Dupree. While he still carries a dead cap hit, it frees up almost $10 million for the team. 

Of course, the second rumors started to swirl that Dupree might be leaving Tennessee, Steelers fans and analysts began to wonder what if he returned to Pittsburgh. If Dupree returned to the Steelers it is hard to say how he would fit in with the defense. Would it be an "EDGE by committee" situation as they did with running backs last season? Would Dupree just play as a straight backup to Highsmith and Watt? While Dupree has had an excellent career, he is no longer the player he once was. If he is willing to set his ego aside returning to Pittsburgh for a season, it might give him a chance to show other teams he still has some left in the tank. 

Bringing Dupree back to the Steelers would be a "full circle" moment for Highsmith, with him now being a leader on the team. While it is too soon to tell if the Steelers are even remotely considering bringing Dupree back, Highsmith acknowledged that having him back on the team would create chaos for opponents and that he would welcome the chance to play with him again. 

"I was just thankful to play with him for when I did. But If it were to happen that would definitely be a three-headed monster for sure."  

What do you think about the Steelers possibly bringing Dupree back? How do you think the Steelers would or should utilize Dupree if he returns? How do you think that Highsmith has done taking over for Dupree? Comment below. 

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