The Pittsburgh Steelers made some noise on Tuesday as the organization decided to extend young outside linebacker Nick Herbig. He signed a four-year, $100 million extension with $42 million being guaranteed. It was a bit of a shock to see the deal get done as soon as it did, but it is good to know that he is locked up for the foreseeable future.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers edge rusher Nick Herbig begins to sprint forward as he goes through a workout while the team practice during 2025 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
This was expected to be a complicated negotiation as Herbig is not a starter currently, and his extension comes in at a higher value than Alex Highsmith. Some reports and fans speculated that this could cause some drama, and it appears that it already has. It was reported on Wednesday that Highsmith was not present at mandatory minicamp, despite the fact that he was there on Tuesday. Insider Ray Fittipaldo broke the news.
A league source confirmed to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith is not at practice on Wednesday, the second day of a mandatory three-day minicamp.
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) June 3, 2026
It is unclear if there is some sort of reason for his absence, but the timing is certainly interesting with Herbig signing his new deal on Tuesday. This could be the start of a holdout from Highsmith, which could go on into training camp. He only has two years left on his deal, but he may want a raise over those remaining years.
This makes the rest of the 2026 offseason a little more interesting for Pittsburgh. There have not been any more details on Highsmith's absence, but it is bizarre since he was at practice the day prior. He could have spoken with his agent and decided to holdout while awaiting a pay raise, or some other sort of compensation. The edge rusher market has ballooned since Highsmith signed his extension, which was for four years and $68 million at the time. He only had about $27 million guaranteed.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Jets, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025 in East Rutherford, NJ.
Another factor to note when it comes to Highsmith's current contract is that a lot of the guaranteed money has already been paid. The outside linebacker could want some more of his money to be guaranteed, which in a way would protect his future in Pittsburgh a little bit more.
There is also a chance that the Steelers could be in the process of trading Highsmith, which is why he may not be practicing. It has been reported that the organization plans to keep all three of the top outside linebackers for the 2026 season, but the franchise has misled the media and the fan base in the past. Highsmith could be on the move soon, and it would be no surprise if he drew significant interest from other teams around the NFL.
Steelers Need To Know That Now Is The Time To Trade Alex Highsmith
Highsmith has just two years remaining on his deal as mentioned, which makes it clear that now is the time to trade him if he is not a part of the organization's future plans. The franchise would get more in exchange for his services with two years left on his deal rather than just one, because then his value would decrease as he would need a new deal from whatever team acquires him.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Alex Highsmith celebrates with Payton Wilson during a home win over the Indianapolis Colts in 2025.
It has been speculated that the Steelers could get a second round pick for Highsmith, but a third round pick and a late Day 3 selection seems to be the likely compensation for a player like Highsmith. He is a great player, but it isn't often that he can stay healthy throughout an entire season.
What do you think about this move from Highsmith? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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