Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher, Alex Highsmith was everyone's trendy pick for the team's breakout player this year. He lived up to that billing, finishing sixth in the NFL in sacks with 14.5. The third-year standout finished above the likes of Micah Parsons, JJ Watt, and other prestigious names. He officially established himself as one of the best pass rushers in football.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Now, Highsmith has just one year remaining on his four-year rookie deal. That leaves general manager, Omar Khan in a tricky situation. While the breakout season was much-needed for the black and gold, especially with TJ Watt missing seven games, now they may have to pay him. Khan has an opportunity to get ahead of the curve and pay Highsmith now.
So why could it be tricky paying money to a player that deserves it? Well, the black and gold have $60 million tied up, over the next two years on the other side in TJ Watt. While Highsmith's potential $15 million/year money wouldn't kick in until 2024, Watt's final year on his contract, that's over $45 million invested in the two edge rushers.
Remember, just a few years ago, former general manager, Kevin Colbert had to face a similar situation with Bud Dupree. Colbert ended up franchise tagging Dupree before letting him eventually walk in free agency. Looking back, it looks quite genius on the Steelers' part, as Dupree has played in just 22 games in two seasons with the Tennessee Titans. That comes after he signed a five-year, $82.5 million deal to head to the AFC South.
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 22: Bud Dupree #48 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on November 22, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Mark Kaboly of The Athletic recently wrote an article about the team needing to prioritize extending Highsmith. He projected that a three-year, $45 million offer would likely keep him in Pittsburgh. Now if he wants to enter the market after 2023, he's likely as good as gone. He may be a better player than Dupree was two years ago, and Dupree got just over $16 million per year.
Regardless, it seems like this off-season is a big one in deciding Highsmith's future with the team. The team does need some depth on the edges, as we saw when Watt went down this season. That could be addressed for cheap in free agency, or even the 2023 NFL Draft. It could also provide Khan with an insurance plan in case a deal with Highsmith is not reached, leaving him open to test free agency next off-season.
Would you prioritize extending Highsmith after his breakout season? What kind of money would you offer to him to start things off? If not, should Khan draft or sign an edge rusher this year as a backup plan? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!
#SteelerNation
