The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting set to host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday in a battle for sole possession of first place in the AFC North division. After a Week 4 victory by Cleveland, head coach Mike McCarthy and his team are looking for revenge. One part of his group that has been particularly strong so far is the defense, especially up front. This is notably true with Alex Highsmith, who is just one part of a dominant edge rushing group. His name has now been mentioned as a possible trade piece despite the winning record McCarthy's group has entering Week 8.
Charles LeClaire / Imagn Images
Alex Highsmith sacks Deshaun Watson and forces a fumble in a 2023 game against the Browns.
Under the leadership of defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, the defense is in the top-10 in several categories, including being seventh in the league in rushing defense. The Steelers do have the flexibility to move one of their edge rushers as TJ Watt, Nick Herbig, and even Jack Sawyer have been contributors to the running defense. Despite the winning record, the team might still looking to add to its roster, especially with injuries piling up. But, could Omar Khan also sell?
On Saturday morning, NFL insider Tom Pelissero wrote about possible trades around the league. In that piece, he mentioned the Steelers' edge rusher. He has been mentioned as a possible target before, and something could happen if the right move is available.
"Other teams have inquired about trading for Highsmith since last year, and the Steelers’ answer has always been no," Pelissero wrote. "But they currently have a logjam at edge rusher, with T.J. Watt turning back the clock with his stellar performance this season at age 32, while younger players Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer have part-time roles."
While it might confuse some about why the Steelers would maybe trade the edge rusher, the insider made it clear that Pittsburgh might get calls. He never officially wrote that the front office would entertain them.
"Highsmith is still in his prime at age 29 and figures to be the subject of more calls leading up to the deadline. He’s due $8.861 million for the rest of this season and $15.5 million in 2027 with no guarantees."
While the team is certainly focused on beating the Browns Sunday, they are going to have to do so without defensive linemen Derrick Harmon and Sebastian Joseph-Day.
On the offensive side of the ball, injuries to wide receivers Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman Jr. have hindered the offense at times this year. Now they might have a chance to trade from a position of depth, with their edge rushing group having a great 2026 NFL season.
Watt particularly has enjoyed a resurgent season as Graham has done a great job of keeping him rested at times, which has paved the way for him to be fresh throughout games. Watt's 5.5 sacks have him well on pace to surpass his total in that category from 2025. He looks more like the dominant player he was years ago rather than a veteran who is showing signs of aging.
Steelers Trading Highsmith Can Provide Depth At Other Positions
While Sawyer has no sacks on the season, he does have 16 combined tackles. That number is almost half of what he had last year and he is poised to go well past last season's total. That also comes with limited playing time due to the depth at edge rusher, which makes the case for trading Highsmith even stronger. Calling a team that has plenty of options at wide receiver but needs help on their defensive line would be the perfect scenario for the Steelers if they decide to act on a possible move.
There is also the possibility of the Steelers waiting until the offseason to deal Highsmith, who will have just one year left on his deal one the new league year commences in March.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Jack Sawyer forces fumble during a post season wild card game against the Houston Texans January 12th, 2026
Sawyer is in just his second season and could move the needle on this trade getting done. He can instantly step in and take on a larger role under the leadership of both Watt and Herbig at the position. While McCarthy's group does have a winning record so far this season, injuries can pile up quickly in the NFL. The Steelers are no different than other teams when it comes to that, which makes trading Highsmith a great move if it can help out at positions where they are somewhat banged up.
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