Steelers' Alex Highsmith Has Likely Destination Revealed As Trade Talks Heat Up

The Pittsburgh Steelers have already been fairly active throughout the 2026 offseason, and there is a chance that more major moves could be made by the organization. The Steelers have not traded away a star player since the franchise decided to move on from wide receiver George Pickens during the 2025 offseason, but that can change in the coming weeks. The Steelers have a few veterans that could certainly be dealt for the right price, and it will be interesting to see if the organization actually decides to move on from players ahead of or after the 2026 NFL Draft.

One position group on the roster that has become fascinating is the outside linebackers. TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith are the two starters, while Nick Herbig is right behind them and has star potential. Jack Sawyer is also entering his second season after showing tons of progression during his rookie year in 2025. Herbig has made the most of his opportunities, and he needs an extension. He wants to be paid and treated like a starter, and that is hard to do with both Watt and Highsmith ahead of him in the room. 

A solution would be to trade either Highsmith or Watt, and Highsmith is the one that has been mentioned in some trade rumors for years. He seems more likely to get moved as Watt's contract is harder for a team to take on. One team to keep an eye on for Highsmith would be the Philadelphia Eagles, as Adam Schefter reported in an article for ESPN that the Eagles are going after Jonathan Greenard of the Minnesota Vikings.

"[Howie] Roseman usually has a trick or two up his sleeve, and other front office executives suspect there's one coming this week," Schefter wrote. "One possibility is adding Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard, whom the Eagles have checked in on at various points this offseason, per sources. The Eagles' wish list of trade candidates goes well beyond Greenard, per sources, though. Roseman almost always has a Plan A, B, C and D, and his team is one to monitor on one of the busiest weekends of the NFL calendar."

Philadelphia wants to acquire Greenard from the Vikings, but the Vikings have been asking for a premier Day 2 pick in exchange for the player. Greenard and Highsmith are the same age and were drafted in the same year, but Highsmith had a more productive season in 2025. The Eagles should show interest in Highsmith, and it is fair to assume that he could be Howie Roseman's Plan B or C.

There has been trade interest around the league for Greenard throughout the 2026 offseason, but he remains in Minnesota. The franchise seems to like him a ton and it might be hard to pry him away. Highsmith would be dealt by Pittsburgh to open up some snaps for Herbig, although losing Highsmith would be a bit of a blow.

If a trade were to happen involving Highsmith, the Steelers would probably need 2027 draft capital in return as compensation.

Steelers Should Have A Rough Idea Of What They Want In Return For Alex Highsmith

The Steelers need a franchise quarterback, and acquiring draft capital in the 2027 NFL Draft may help the organization find that player. Dealing Highsmith would have to yield at least one Day 2 pick in 2027, and probably an additional late-round pick as well. 

A package built around a third-round pick in exchange for Highsmith seems fair for all sides involved, and he is still under contract for two more seasons. A team that trades for him would have the option to work out a new deal with him before the trade is finalized.

What do you think about trading Highsmith? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

#SteelerNation