Steelers Insider Shuts Down Absurd Theory That Pittsburgh Could Be Shopping Star Defender

The Pittsburgh Steelers may possibly have the most talented defensive roster in the entire NFL. Not only are the starters some of the best in the league, but the unit also has extremely valuable depth. There is no reason the Steelers couldn't have a top three defense in the NFL during the 2024 season, especially with second-year players like Joey Porter Jr., Keeanu Benton, and Nick Herbig all potentially having breakout years.

Herbig isn't a starter on the Steelers' defense, but he is the primary backup to both TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith. Herbig has impressed so much that there has been some discussion about him taking over for Highsmith, and the Steelers even potentially trading Highsmith. This was more relevant when the Steelers were involved in the Brandon Aiyuk-saga, but it could still be a talking point if Pittsburgh needs help at another position. Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo was asked about the possibility of the team trading Highsmith for help at receiver.

"Pass rushers are much harder to come by today than receivers. Did you hear Mike Tomlin talk about receivers today at his press conference? It's almost like he thinks of them like the rest of the league thinks about running backs."

Fittipaldo is essentially saying that Head Coach Mike Tomlin values the edge-rushing trio of Watt, Highsmith, and Herbig more than any receiver. He would likely never give up a player of their caliber for help elsewhere. It is harder to find a guy who can rush the passer like they can than it is to find a second or third option at receiver.

During Tomlin's press conference on Tuesday, he was asked about the question marks in the wide receiver room. He admitted he was a bit nervous about the unit earlier in camp, but he eventually became impressed with the work put in by some of the veteran guys the organization acquired over the offseason. Tomlin specifically touched on the consistency and experience he has seen from guys like Van Jefferson and Scotty Miller. 

Tomlin seems to be happy with the current state of the wide receiver room in Pittsburgh, even though the organization missed out on Aiyuk. Even if he wasn't, or Pittsburgh decided to add help at the position in the middle of the season, he wouldn't give up one of his best defenders in order to make that happen. 

Highsmith may not have the same flashy numbers as Watt, but he is certainly an above-average player at his position in the league. He is also a big reason for the success of Watt. He is another defender the offense needs to worry about and plan for, and his consistently good pass rush opens things up for Watt.

Steelers' Nick Herbig Set To Breakout In 2024

The main reason for any misleading trade talks concerning Highsmith is because of the potential Herbig clearly has. He flashed during his rookie year in 2023 as he recorded three sacks and two forced fumbles on the year. He didn't play as much as he probably should have as he was buried in the depth chart behind Watt, Highsmith, and Markus Golden. In 2024, Herbig will be the third outside linebacker, and his snap count should see a significant increase. 

Herbig was one of the best players during the 2024 preseason. He didn't play a ton, but he certainly made his impact known. In the preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, the young defender recorded two sacks on one drive, including a strip-sack which was recovered by Pittsburgh. This set the Steelers up in great position to score.

The second-year edge rusher will add a lot of value to the roster in 2024, but talks of trading Highsmith are ridiculous. Herbig still has a lot to prove, and Tomlin will need to find away to get those three defenders on the field at one time.

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