Steelers Fans At Ease After Crucial Update On Alex Highsmith: "Dumbest Thing I've Heard"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been surrounded by various trade rumors throughout the 2026 NFL offseason. The 2026 NFL Draft is just days away, and the Black and Gold have a stockpile of picks. There has been speculation of trade-ups and trade-downs, including potential player trades occurring on draft day. With 12 draft picks and the Steelers' needs, it has caused many to believe that the front office will look to get aggressive. General Manager Omar Khan and Pittsburgh's front office have not been afraid to make some big moves over the last few years, and this go-around may be no different. 

Amid these rumors, there have been scenarios where veterans are being speculated as trade candidates. The Steelers have various defensive veterans who have proven to be expensive. The defense is full of talent and depth, and the team could look to move off of costly contracts. Two of the team's top-tier veterans, Alex Highsmith and Patrick Queen, have both been victims of trade rumors throughout the 2026 offseason.

Both of these defenders are core pieces of the Black and Gold's front seven, and trading either one would mean that the team has confidence in a potential draft pick or someone on its current roster. Highsmith has been in the spotlight more recently, to be shopped alongside fellow edge rusher Nick Herbig. While it's unclear that either of these players being traded have any legitimacy, the Steelers wanting to move on from any of these players would likely stem from financial considerations and possibly the desire for 2027 draft capital. 

On a recent episode of Kaboly + Mack, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly completely shuts down any trade talk for a veteran player, specifically Highsmith.

"That is the dumbest thing I've heard in my life, that they would try to trade Alex Highsmith. People are zoning in because they see the contract and that he's two years out, and he could be moved. No. He's the one helmet guy," Kaboly said. 

The idea that the Steelers would move on from Highsmith is seemingly far-fetched. While he has dealt with some injury issues, he is one of the league's best edge rushers. The former Charlotte 49ers standout had a 14.5 sack season in 2022, and has shown that he can be a game wrecker. Highsmith had a productive 2025 with 9.5 sacks and was a force in the run game. He offers the Steelers a ton of support as he complements star edge rusher TJ Watt so well. Highsmith has been a cornerstone of the Steelers' defensive identity since he was drafted in the third round in 2020. 

Pittsburgh does have an edge rusher problem on its hands. The Steelers have four very capable pass rushers on their team. Watt is the team's most expensive, coming off a down year to his standard. He has been subject to rumors himself. However, his stardom and the nature of his contract make him difficult to move on from. Highsmith's contract and play make him susceptible; however, he is yet another proven player. 

Herbig's rookie deal is up after the 2026 season. In his limited snaps in 2025, he proved to be a highly effective player. However, the Steelers' front office may not want to pay three edge rushers big money. There are reasons for all of these players to be rumored to be traded, but it makes sense to keep them for 2026, not just because they're so good, but it wouldn't make sense to move any of them so quickly. 

The Steelers Need To Reevaluate Their Edge Rushers In 2027

Watt's down year in 2025 could just be a fluke. He is often double and triple-teamed, and he suffered a freak accident of a lung injury in the back half of the season. If he makes a comeback, it wouldn't be smart to move him, even with the money he's making. Highsmith's contract keeps him with the team for two more seasons. Why move him now, unless the team is so confident in a Herbig-Watt duo? Herbig's market may be too big for Pittsburgh, unless they want to spend a huge sum on a three-headed monster, which wouldn't give Herbig the playing time he craves. 

This will be a big year for the Steelers' edge rushers, and the results from their play in 2026 may decide their fate.

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