Steelers Fans Get Big Update On An Alex Highsmith Trade

The Pittsburgh Steelers have put themselves in a position to add talent before the trade deadline, but that hasn't stopped conversations about who could leave. Pittsburgh has several capable outside linebackers, and the money invested in the position makes it easy to understand why fans continue to wonder about a move. However, having depth at one of the defense's most important spots is also something a potential contender should appreciate. The front office and general manager Omar Khan have to consider what a trade would mean for the rest of this season and future.

Alex Highsmith remains a sensible name for fans to bring up because of the talent around him. Nick Herbig signed a big extension during the offseason, giving Pittsburgh another significant financial commitment on the edge. TJ Watt is playing incredible football, while Jack Sawyer has given the coaching staff a reliable option in the rotation. There are only so many snaps available, which naturally leads to questions about whether the Steelers could turn some of that depth into help elsewhere.

That doesn't mean Pittsburgh views the situation the same way. During a recent fan chat, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac addressed the possibility of moving Highsmith. His response focused on something that can get lost when fans start discussing contracts and potential trade returns: the Steelers are winning with the current collective.

"They are 6-2 and in first place. They got there with the players they have," Dulac wrote. "They are not going to trade away one of those players now, especially Highsmith."

Dulac couldn't have been much clearer. Pittsburgh's record gives the front office a reason to strengthen the roster, and sending away an established defender would create another issue to address. A trade might bring back a useful draft pick, but that selection wouldn't help the Steelers protect their division lead over the next several weeks.

Herbig's extension is a major part of why the discussion continues to come up. Pittsburgh made a substantial commitment to a player who has earned a larger role, and fans understandably want to see him on the field. His future with the Steelers also makes it reasonable to examine how much money the front office wants to keep investing in outside linebackers.

However, that is a different conversation from deciding what gives the Steelers their best chance to win right now. Herbig can have a prominent role with Highsmith on the roster. The coaching staff can use both players, keep fresh legs available and adjust if someone gets hurt. Trading Highsmith would immediately reduce that flexibility.

Watt's play gives the Steelers another reason to keep the group together. When he is performing at this level, Pittsburgh should want to make it as difficult as possible for opposing offenses to account for everyone. Having other threats on the edge matters, particularly when opponents build their protection plans around limiting Watt's opportunities.

Sawyer's reliability helps, too. The rookie has given Pittsburgh someone it can trust behind its established pass rushers. That is valuable over a long season, but it doesn't automatically make a veteran expendable. There is a considerable difference between asking Sawyer to contribute in a rotation and needing him to absorb a much larger workload because the front office traded Highsmith.

The Steelers would also have to consider what happens after one injury. A position that looks crowded today could look much thinner by the next game. Keeping four dependable options gives the defense protection against that possibility, along with the freedom to rotate players during games that demand plenty from the pass rush.

Fans can reasonably want Pittsburgh to address another need without assuming Highsmith has to be the piece that makes it happen. The front office can explore additions while keeping a productive defensive group intact. Based on Dulac's response, that appears to be the approach fans should expect.

Steelers Have Very Few Reasons To Break Up Their Pass Rush

Herbig's new contract will remain relevant when Pittsburgh evaluates its spending beyond this season. For now, though, the Steelers have a division lead to defend and a group of outside linebackers that gives opponents plenty to handle. Highsmith is part of that advantage. Watt's outstanding play, Herbig's growing responsibilities and Sawyer's dependable contributions give Pittsburgh options that would become harder to maintain after a trade. 

Dulac's answer suggests the Steelers understand exactly what they have. Unless their thinking changes, fans hoping for another addition should expect the front office to find a way to do it without moving Highsmith.

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