The Pittsburgh Steelers have recently made numerous tough decisions, as they had to cut their roster down from 91 players to 53 this week. However, that's not the only difficult process they've needed to endure. It happens all year long, and sometimes, it involves key players, like when they traded away a locker room leader and star player in Minkah Fitzpatrick. Pittsburgh could even be planning a future cut/trade that won't take place until after the 2025 season is over, as all options are on the table.
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Steelers GM Omar Khan on the phone.
During his recent weekly Q&A chat, insider Ray Fittipaldo was asked about the edge rusher position, especially since Nick Herbig will be due an extension after the 2025 season. He could very well get that deal if one of his teammates keeps getting injured, as Fittipaldo mentions.
"[Alex] Highsmith is signed through 2027. Honestly, I think this season will be a big factor on how they proceed at the position," Fittipaldo said. "Highsmith has struggled some with injuries. If the injuries continue to hinder him this season, then maybe they decide to go forward with Herbig."
Alex Highsmith missed most of August activities with yet another groin injury, but he says that he is ready for Week 1. The edge rusher position is a very demanding one that can wear down the body quickly, and the former third-round pick has definitely experienced that part of the game. In 2024, he missed six games due to two separate injuries, and he has dealt with other issues during previous seasons and training camps.
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Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
When he's on the field and healthy, Highsmith is very productive. In 2022, he had 14.5 sacks and five forced fumbles as he stated his case to be in the Top 5 pass rusher list along with his teammate, TJ Watt. However, he has not come close to that production ever since then, and if he keeps getting hurt, he may be playing for a new team in 2026.
The Steelers would save roughly $11.2 million in cap space if he is cut or traded prior to June 1st, 2026. Obviously, he won't be shipped away in 2025, unless possibly the team extremely underperforms before the trade deadline. He will almost certainly wear the black and gold until the season ends, and then the team will evaluate their options from there.
Steelers Are Already Set At Edge Rusher
If there is any team that can afford to trade away edge rushers, it's the Steelers. Herbig's production was what started this topic in the first place, as he almost matched Highsmith's stats across the board in 2024, despite playing significantly fewer snaps. He has done great in his limited starts as well, and it is evident that he would be a bona fide starter on likely every other NFL team.
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Nick Herbig sacks Justin Herbert during a home game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3, 2024.
The Steelers also used their fourth-round pick in 2025 on Jack Sawyer, who was seen as an absolute steal for where he was picked. He will likely see very limited snaps in his rookie year on defense as he develops, but if Highsmith gets shipped off after the season ends, Sawyer could continue his growth by taking over as the primary backup/rotational piece. Pittsburgh has seemingly been producing edge rushers out of an assembly line in recent years.
If the Steelers were to trade Highsmith at season's end, they would likely get a Day 2 pick in return. They've admitted to hoarding picks, as they already have 12 for the 2026 NFL Draft (including four projected compensatory picks), so receiving another third-rounder from a team like the Washington Commanders would just help them with their plans even more. Hopefully, Highsmith stays healthy and can produce like he did in 2022, but history is not on his side.
What do you think about Highsmith possibly being let go after the 2025 season? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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