Steelers Should Execute Massive Trade With NFC Super Bowl Contender

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in quite a predicament before the 2025 trade deadline. At 5-3, their defense has been very boom-or-bust. They either have so many splash plays and get a win, or they don't make any highlight-reel plays and give up 30+ points. Obviously, the executives absolutely hate the idea of tanking, so they would be looking to buy, but what if they were offered a deal that would result in a player leaving that also solves another major issue and would net at least one high-quality draft pick in return? 

The Steelers may just have that opportunity. After a dominant Week 9 performance, Alex Highsmith's value likely skyrocketed with teams across the league. He proved to everyone that he can still be a major weapon to a defense after his two-sack day. Of course, Pittsburgh also uses him a lot as a run-stopper, and with the run game making a comeback, he could be a valuable asset to teams across the league.

Now they just need a taker. For starters, you have the San Francisco 49ers, who can't stay healthy. They have lost so many key players through the first eight weeks of the season, which includes their pass rush core getting absolutely wrecked. Most recently, first-round rookie Mykel Williams went down with a torn ACL. They just need healthy bodies, but they could pay a pretty penny for a high-end pass rusher. 

The 49ers may be willing to deal with General Manager Omar Khan and give up a Day 2 pick if it means having some sort of pass rush that isn't entirely made of practice squad players. Highsmith would be an immediate boost to a well-coached defense. In possibly the toughest division in the NFL, San Francisco needs all the help they can get to leapfrog the likes of the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks. 

The Steelers could also look to a team they previously made a deal with in 2025. Owner Jerry Jones loves the idea of blockbuster trades, and he is still looking for his Micah Parsons replacement after that controversial deal hurt the Dallas Cowboys' defense. Sometimes he can get wild with what he gives up to fill a need. Like with the 49ers, it will likely be a Day 2 pick they get in return, but maybe they could squeeze a little more out of Jones.

Steelers' Big Issue At Edge Rusher

In terms of analytics, the Steelers have the best edge rusher in the NFL with Nick Herbig, and it's not even close. The problem is that he is still a backup partially because of the deal they gave Highsmith. Pittsburgh would benefit from giving the third-year stud more playing time, even if it unfortunately means upsetting one of the veterans of the team. 

If the Steelers can get one or more great picks back for the ability to truly unleash Herbig, they should take that. Highsmith has been rumored to be traded for a while now, and the odds of him being a Steeler in training camp in 2026 are already low. Why wait until the end of the season when you can have a win-win deal with something like this?

To fill his run-defense presence, rookie Jack Sawyer can step up and help in that matter. Herbig is not the best run defender in the league, but the 2025 fourth-round pick has that ability. He could use some more reps to help his development as well. As great as Highsmith has been, football is sometimes a cruel business, and the Steelers would likely be better off trading him away.

What do you think about the Steelers possibly trading Highsmith away? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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