Steelers' Familiar Trade Partner May Suddenly Come Calling Pittsburgh About Alex Highsmith

It is bound to be an extremely exciting 2026 offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers. For the first time in nearly two decades, Mike Tomlin will not have any influence on the team's personnel and roster decisions. New head coach Mike McCarthy will likely work very closely with General Manager Omar Khan to put together the most competitive group possible. Any time there is a regime change in the NFL, some players see their times with that organization come to an end. No one is quite sure what will happen in the Steel City just yet, but there are expected to be some intriguing storylines.

McCarthy is inheriting a talented defense, but one that has also underperformed in recent seasons. Despite being the league's highest-paid unit, there have been constant inconsistencies. The front office has drafted rather well; however, a mixture of injuries and poor game-planning have held the collective back. There's a lot to work with, but it needs to handled the proper way.

One up-and-coming name that the Steelers need to make a decision on is edge rusher Nick Herbig. He is eligible for a contract extension, but Pittsburgh already has millions invested in TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith. Khan has been relatively aggressive since being promoted back in 2022, which is why it will surprise no one if he is involved in the trade market sooner rather than later.

Herbig is a blossoming star-in-the-making, and Watt will probably be a Steeler for life. Highsmith, though, could be a different story. He is under contract through the 2027 campaign, and many teams around the league could be very interested in his services. It's hard to define his trade value, even though a mid-round selection seems most likely if he were shopped.

One organization that engaged in trade talks with Khan in 2025 was the Dallas Cowboys. There is a need there for Jerry Jones and co. in the pass rushing department, and Highsmith may make a ton of sense. It would make sense for both sides, as the Steelers could pay Herbig and the Cowboys would get a proven defender that could thrive in Dallas.

While there have been no specific reports linking Highsmith to the trade market, it wouldn't make a lot of sense for Pittsburgh to be paying three different edge rushers over $15 million annually. The big investment remains in Watt, and his contract would be difficult to trade, even if the franchise wanted to consider parting ways with him.

Overall, Highsmith seems to be the odd man out in this scenario. Jack Sawyer performed well in his rookie season when given the opportunity, so he could theoretically slide into the third spot on the depth chart behind Watt and Herbig. Pittsburgh needs somewhat of a reset when it comes to the defense. Investing financially on the offensive side of the ball while trimming some of the commitments on defense would be a wise idea.

Even if Herbig is signed, it's unlikely that it would be as expensive as Highsmith. Thus, moving on from Highsmith to then get Herbig locked in for the long-term would give the Steelers a perfect situation. Highsmith is well-liked in the Steel City, but at the end of the day, it's a business. Khan may have no other choice but to pick between Highsmith and Herbig.

Steelers May Run Into Issues Talking Trades With The Cowboys

Dallas has been very active in the last year or so, including acquiring George Pickens from Pittsburgh in May of 2025. With that has led to an odd draft capital situation. The Cowboys have two first-round picks, and don't have another selection until the fifth round. This means any deal involving Highsmith would likely have to include some kind of 2027 selection(s).

Do you think the Steelers will shop Highsmith? Let us know in the comments below!

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