The Pittsburgh Steelers have been heavily involved in the NFL news world over the last couple of months. From the departure of former head coach Mike Tomlin, the hiring of new head coach Mike McCarthy, as well as free agent and trade acquisition speculation, has made for a very hectic offseason already for the Steelers ahead of the 2026 season. The latest talk is now centered around Steelers outside linebacker, Alex Highsmith.
Associated Press
Steelers linebacker/edge rusher Alex Highsmith on the sidelines during a 2022 NFL game.
This comes following the suggestions from some, though it is not very feasible, for the Steelers to trade star outside linebacker TJ Watt. On Tuesday's edition of Deebo & Joe with former Steelers defenders James Harrison and Joe Haden, Harrison mentioned some thoughts on what he would do in terms of roster construction ahead of the 2026 season. The Steelers have been mentioned to be looking to improve their wide receiver room as well as their secondary ahead of 2026. However, Harrison's comments suggest the Steelers may look to re-work another part of their defense.
"The possibility of what the trade would look like for Alex [Highsmith], I think that could be a move to open up some room for [Nick] Herbig," Harrison said. "The older you get, the more they're trying to transition to younger players. At some point in time, Father Time going to catch up with everybody. But I don't see T.J. [Watt] being put out there. It's too much [money] there."
The really intriguing player also mentioned in all of these comments is Nick Herbig. Herbig had quite the breakout season on defense in 2025 as he tallied seven and a half sacks, along with three forced fumbles, and an interception for the Steelers. Herbig also had 48 pressures while also leading the team in pass-rush win rate in just seven starts in 2025. This 2025 performance is probably what sparked Harrison to mention the flexibility the Steelers have to trade Highsmith while creating room for Herbig on the field by doing so.
Herbig's emergence in 2025 is a good problem for the Steelers to have heading into 2026. Highsmith had nine and a half sacks with one forced fumble in 2025 himself, proving he is a solidified edge rusher. While Watt had a down year by his standards, many believe he's poised for a bounce back season in 2026.
Associated Press
Steelers edge rushers Nick Herbig and TJ Watt celebrate in a 2025 NFL game in Dublin, Ireland against the Minnesota Vikings.
A trade of Highsmith is definitely not a ridiculous thought to have with the emergence of Herbig's play on the field. Herbig is also just 24 years old, whereas Highsmith is 28. Out of the three edge rushers mentioned, trading Highsmith would make the most sense. Not many teams will look at Watt's contract and want to entertain the idea of trading for him, which makes Highsmith more expendable.
Steelers Shift Focus To Roster Improvements Ahead Of Next Season
With McCarthy's staff rounded out in Pittsburgh, the Steelers' focus now shifts to the start of NFL free agency in March and then is followed up by the NFL Draft in April. Having a trade chip like Highsmith is a huge commodity for the Steelers, as they have a solid option to replace him immediately in Herbig. Highsmith is also still relatively young in terms of NFL service time and his age, so he would be a player that teams will most likely check in on should the Steelers make him available to trade.
Justin Guido / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers edge rusher Nick Herbig on defense in the Steelers 2025 preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
With NFL free agency still yet to open up, it is uncertain as to what kind of return Highsmith would yield if the Steelers are thinking similarly to Harrison. However, with his established play on the field as a great edge rusher, the Steelers should definitely listen to calls on Highsmith if they were to make him available. Moving him could allow the Steelers to bring in a player at a position of need while also open up the field for Herbig to shine as a starter if 2025 was any indication of how he is starting to develop in the NFL.
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