Steelers May Have An Unexpected Exit Strategy For Alex Highsmith

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been discussing some big ideas surrounding their future at the edge rusher position. They have one of the most premier trios, yet they are getting older, creating some interesting speculation about what the Steelers should do next with some of their veteran players there.

Recently signing Nick Herbig to a big contract extension likely eliminates him from trade discussions, keeping the discourse between stars TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith. In terms of trade value, this is the point of Watt's career where his value is at its lowest. He's aging and his production on the field is trending in the wrong direction for Pittsburgh to capitalize on the trade front. He is arguably no longer at the point in his career where he'll land a first-round pick, leaving Highsmith as the more likely candidate to be shopped.

Highsmith is going to be 29 in a couple of weeks and is in the window of his prime. He is also on the most team-friendly deal out of these three on the Steelers, likely making him the most expendable on the trade block. His production on the field is also the biggest factor in what he could get on the trade front, which puts all eyes on his stats this fall.

Steelers insider Christopher Carter gave a plan for this season on the North Shore Drive Podcast, regarding what the Steelers built in their edge rusher room and what Highsmith does will determine what could happen on the trade front. Pittsburgh still has Jack Sawyer developing as well, and he serves as quality depth.

"I think what could happen and might very well happen is Alex Highsmith has a really good season," Carter stated. "He has 14 or 15 sacks or something like that this year because I think that he is entering his prime as an edge rusher… Then he becomes much more tradable and then by that time, you’ll have Nick Herbig, who’s in the second year of his new deal, you’ll have Jack Sawyer as a third year vet, and then you could draft another edge rusher in the middle rounds."

Looking at this depth and potentially adding another edge rusher in the draft would make a trade more logical to happen. Ultimately, it's what Highsmith produces on the field. If he can put together a strong season around 14 sacks, then Pittsburgh may be able to land that first-round pick that they want back.

"I think that’s when he comes tradable because then you’re saying, okay we’ve had the trio together for some years," Carter added. "Now we can move on from this guy… then maybe he does get you a first if he has that kind of big year."

A big year from Highsmith could make a trade worth doing for the Steelers. To make it not hurt, then Pittsburgh needs to see growth from Sawyer. With Watt's age and Herbig's emergence, there's a surplus to take from that could help shape the Steelers into a more well-rounded roster.

With Watt no longer likely being worth a first-round pick, it seems like if there's a trade in this room, it will be Highsmith. While it may not happen this fall, the 2026 season will play a major role in whether that happens or not down the road. Losing him would be a big loss, but with Herbig and Sawyer starting to show strong signs at their young ages, the loss may not be as bad.

Steelers' Elite Edge-Rushing Depth Is Helping Alex Highsmith's Trade Availability

Time will tell whether or not Highsmith will be on the trade block next season. There are plenty of other factors that play a role in this, including injuries, production, or even retirement from other key pieces of the defense. Regardless of those circumstances though, this edge rushing group will have plenty of attention on them this season.

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