The Pittsburgh Steelers have been known for their defense and strength at the outside linebacker position. Ever since drafting TJ Watt back in 2017, the position group has seemingly always been strong, with Watt consistently being one of the best defenders in the NFL as a whole. He is now on the wrong side of 30, and his play has diminished over the last two seasons, but there are some fans who still believe the old Watt might show up in 2026. That could happen, but even if it doesn't the Steelers have other outside linebackers that will step up.
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Steelers' Alex Highsmith (56) at practice with Jack Sawyer (33) and TJ Watt (90) during the 2026 offseason.
Watt signed a very lucrative extension prior to the 2025 season and then didn't produce much in the sack department, and that has a lot of fans worried. Alex Highsmith actually led the team in sacks in 2025 with 9.5 while only playing in 13 games, which is pretty good. He has been living in the shadows of Watt for most of his career, and now he is in the shadows of Watt and Nick Herbig after Herbig signed a big extension of his own.
Herbig's extension has sparked some trade rumors surrounding Highsmith, but former NFL General Manager Doug Whaley believes Highsmith has a big opportunity in 2026. He spoke about this during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday.
"Highsmith can do a lot for his status in the league if he can stay healthy for 17 games," Whaley said. "The way he ended the year, if he continues that for 17 games, I think he'll be knocking on that top 10 door."
Whaley sees the potential for a lot of growth from Highsmith, who the Steelers have under contract for two more seasons. He has struggled to stay healthy as of late, but he has been very productive on the field. He gets pressure on the quarterback, and it is fair to say that a lot of Watt's success has come when rushing on the opposite side of Highsmith. That isn't a coincidence.
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Steelers edge rushers Nick Herbig, Alex Highsmith, and TJ Watt listen to the anthem before an NFL game in 2023.
Highsmith only played in 13 games in 2025, but he was playing his best football near the end of the season. If he can keep that play up while staying healthy in 2026, he could certainly improve his image within the NFL landscape. Fans in Pittsburgh have always known how good he can be, but he has always been underrated in the grand scheme of things.
A great season from Highsmith in 2026 would make things interesting in Pittsburgh. It is fair to assume that the new deal for Herbig has probably motivated him. He is signed through 2027, and a great season would increase his trade value. It would also put the Steelers in an interesting situation as a great season from Highsmith could warrant an extension, which would likely mean the end of Watt's time in Pittsburgh.
Steelers Could Explore A TJ Watt Trade
Watt's play has been in decline for the last two or so seasons, but he is still a highly effective player on the field. He doesn't record as many sacks as he used to, but he still punches the ball out and is active in passing lanes. Another team around the league would certainly be interested in him, and a Watt trade would pave the way for more playing time for Highsmith, Herbig, and Jack Sawyer. Sawyer showed enough in 2025 for the Steelers to believe in him as the team's future No. 3 outside linebacker.
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Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer stands alongside his teammates during the national anthem prior to participating in a professional football game.
A trade like this probably would not happen until the 2027 offseason, and it can only happen if Highsmith has a career-year in 2026.
What do you think about Whaley's comments on Highsmith? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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