The Pittsburgh Steelers took care of some in-house contracts in 2026 offseason. New deals were reached with kicker Chris Boswell and veteran defender Cam Heyward, while other guys from the 2023 NFL Draft class also earned their second contracts with the organization. Tight end Darnell Washington was extended on a deal that made him one of the highest-paid blocking tight ends in the league, and outside linebacker Nick Herbig became the first backup in league history to sign a $100 million deal. This deal surprised some of the more casual fans, but he certainly deserves the contract with the way he has produced with limited opportunities.
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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.
A $100 million payday is a lot for a backup, especially when $42 million of that is guaranteed. TJ Watt just signed an extension ahead of the 2025 season, and Alex Highsmith is also under contract with the Steelers on a lucrative deal. Herbig's and Watt's deals run longer than Highsmith's as his contract expires at the end of the 2027 campaign.
In addition to those three, the franchise also has Jack Sawyer under contract for at least the next three years. This makes Highsmith a likely trade candidate. Pittsburgh probably wants to keep him in 2026, but he could be moved during the 2027 offseason.
Highsmith was asked about this after practice on Friday. He reiterated that he wants to be a Steeler for life, but he also noted that he is only focused on this season as of right now.
"That's my dream, I want to be a Steeler for life." Highsmith said. "So for me, I just want to go out there and do whatever I can to help bring another Super Bowl to this team, another Super Bowl to this city. I do want to be a Steeler for life. For me, I'm just excited for this year, just go out there, our group, we're the best group in the league. You know, edge wise. The three of us and Jack, I'm just really, really excited for the group that we have and I think we're going to be able to do some really special things."
There was a lot made about how Highsmith might feel after Herbig signed his deal. After all, Highsmith is the starter and he is now making less than Herbig. Highsmith then missed the next practice after Herbig signed, but it was said to be unrelated and the veteran was dealing with some sort of illness.
He has treated the situation like a professional ever since. He has not made any comments that would hint at him having some bad blood toward the situation. He has remained professional, and his eyes are still on the ultimate goal of having a good season and winning a Super Bowl.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Alex Highsmith goes thrill drills during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in 2026.
Steelers Could Change Their Mind About Moving Alex Highsmith In 2026
So far it seems like General Manager Omar Khan and the rest of the decision-makers in Pittsburgh are content with carrying the three highly-paid outside linebackers on the roster heading into the 2026 season, but that could change if the season takes a turn for the worst.
The Steelers have almost an entirely new coaching staff, and that may take some getting used to. There is a world where Pittsburgh gets off to a bad start in 2026 and becomes a seller by the trade deadline. If that were to happen, Highsmith would probably be one of the top names in circulation.
Something to remember is that the back half of the schedule for Pittsburgh is insanely difficult. If the team gets off to a slow start to begin the year, playoff hopes could be gone by the time November hits. That would be a prime time to move on from Highsmith, which is something that would probably happen during the 2027 offseason anyway.
What do you think about Highsmith's comments? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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