The Pittsburgh Steelers inked outside linebacker, Alex Highsmith to a massive four-year $68 million extension (essentially a new five-year deal), making him one of the highest paid at the position in the NFL and locking in a formidable duo with TJ Watt. After Batman (Watt) sat out training camp to get his new contract, Robin (Highsmith) made it a priority to ensure he wasn't going to miss any camp time.
Getty Images
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacking duo, Alex Highsmith and TJ Watt are here to stay for the foreseeable future.
Highsmith announced during a press conference with Pittsburgh media on Monday what the new contract means to him and why it was important to him to be with the team in Latrobe as a full participant.
"I want to thank everyone involved in the Steelers' organization for taking a chance on me three years ago and now being able to play here for the next five years is just truly an understatement," he said. "I play for the best organization in the NFL. It's a blessing and I look forward to bringing another championship to this city."
Highsmith said that going into training camp he wanted to be able to think about one thing and one thing only: playing ball. It's tough to do that with a contract negotiation going on over your head and so he and his negotiating team made it a priority for the deal to be wrapped up before camp.
"I'm someone who likes to work and not sit out," Highsmith said about participating in previous offseason workouts while figuring out a new contract. "Last year, I got hurt in camp and it was killing me not being with the guys and working. So, I always want to be locked in and focused on ball. I'm excited to get down to Latrobe and get to work. My best football is ahead of me"
Highsmith led the team with a career-high (14.5) in sacks in 2022 while producing a league-best five forced fumbles. Watt, in his return from injury, struggled to produce to the levels people have come to expect from the former 22.5 sack master, but he's been a tremendous resource for his partner-in-crime.
"It's been fun developing chemistry with him." Highsmith said about Watt. "Coming in and getting to be teammates with him and Bud [Dupree] was just so big for me. Coming in, those guys were two of the best at the position and I just came in and was like a sponge learning from them. I continue to learn from Watt and pick his brain about stuff."
Steelers' Highsmith Bringing A Championship Fire For The Next Five Years
The number one goal for any football player is usually a pretty easy one to nail down. Win a championship. Highsmith said bringing the Super Bowl back to Pittsburgh is priority one.
"Being here and being a part of this city for the past three years, the rich history and tradition, makes you know why so many people want to be a part of this organization," he said. "The number one goal is the Super Bowl. We know we have to get back and this locker room has the goal of not only getting there, but winning it. So, my goal is doing whatever I can to help us get to that."
Now, he finished in 2022 with a career-high in sacks, but in his summer film review, he said he's found some more to improve on. There's one specific area he thinks can help him get that sack total up.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith and defensive lineman Cam Heyward line up against the Tampa Buccaneers during a regular season game in 2022.
He's been working out during the summer with veteran defensive lineman, Cameron Heyward which has helped him to become much stronger and faster. The biggest thing he said he can change to turn more of those misses into sacks is to take a page from Watt's playbook.
"Finishing my rushes," Highsmith said about an area of improvement. "There were times I wouldn't bend the corner well enough and the quarterback would step up. For a guy like TJ, that's what helps him, is finishing his rushes so well. There are times it doesn't look like he's going to get there he makes a little move and he's there. So, just continuing to get better in that aspect."
The last two Super Bowl appearances were partially fueled by a pair of double-digit sack artists in LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers outside linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley pose for a photo on the bench.
If the Steelers are going to get back to the big game anytime soon, double-digit sack totals and some more splash plays that both Highsmith and Watt have shown a propensity for in their career will be invaluable.
Are you happy to have Highsmith extended? What did you think about what he had to say for the first time since signing the massive extension? Let us know in the comments below or on our social media pages.
#SteelerNation
