“Good Trade Possibilities”: Steelers Set To Explore A Big Move

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered a relatively new era when Omar Khan was promoted to be the team's general manager in May of 2022. While he had been with the organization since very early on in the 21st century, that fact didn't necessarily mean that he would work exactly the same as his predecessor Kevin Colbert did. Fans have known this to be true as the current front office has had several stretches of being aggressive, and pulling off big-time trades and signings. Some have caught many by surprise, such as the move to deal Minkah Fitzpatrick in the summer of 2025.

It is wise for Steelers fans to consistently remain on their toes, as news can break pretty much at any moment. This was put on display once again after the team traded for Michael Pittman Jr. during the legal tampering period back in March. Now, as Organized Team Activities (OTAs) get set to begin, it is fair to wonder if Khan and co. have another trick up their sleeves.

While the roster has gone through quite a makeover throughout the course of the 2026 offseason, questions remain about certain players and position battles. One area that is extremely intriguing is the edge rusher spot. TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith are slotted as the starters, but Nick Herbig seems to be way too talented to come in at third on any depth chart across the NFL.

This is likely going to lead to some difficult contract discussions with Herbig eligible for a new deal. Joey Porter Jr. is also set to get paid, but in a recent fan chat hosted by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac, the beat writer was focused on Herbig after he was asked about the situations that both 2023 draftees find themselves in.

"Agreed. Porter should [be] next up, but they really want to extend Herbig because of the age and salaries of the other two guys," Dulac wrote. "That, though, will be up to Herbig. Does he accept a new deal, or wait for free agency where he would probably get a bigger deal? And how much do you offer a backup when you're already paying big money to the two guys in front of him? Sounds like good trade possibilities to me."

Trading Watt with his contract seems like a pretty tall task, and he has always been expected to be wearing the Black and Gold for his entire career. Dulac didn't specifically name anyone, so it begs the question of if the front office might be considering dealing Herbig, knowing that he won't be affordable in 2027. However, Highsmith had a solid 2025 campaign and his contract would be much easier to acquire for another organization.

When Herbig has been given the chance, he can be a game-wrecker. If all three of the top edge rushers are healthy, though, he doesn't always see the snaps that someone of his caliber should be experiencing. The Steelers could decide to make a surprising trade involving Highsmith, and that could lead to a full-on commitment to Herbig. The main problem with this hypothetical is that Pittsburgh did not draft an edge rusher, so depth would be thin.

Jack Sawyer had a very respectable rookie season, but the Steelers would certainly need a reliable fourth option if Highsmith were to get dealt. Overall, it seems as if nothing is set in stone with OTAs on the horizon. However, Khan could shock the league once again as he did in June of 2025 when Fitzpatrick was traded back to the Miami Dolphins.

Steelers Might Soon Be Searching For 2027 Draft Capital

While Pittsburgh has two young signal-callers on the roster, it's going to be hard to ignore selecting a third in 2027 if the class turns out to be as good as some expect it to. Both Highsmith and Herbig would likely be worth a Day 2 pick, so if the opportunity presents itself, Khan and co. might not be able to stay away from trading one, particularly Highsmith, especially if it means Herbig would ink a new deal and remain with the Steelers for the long term.

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