Steelers' Mike Tomlin And Kevin Colbert Made Huge Decision In 2021 That Is Totally Overlooked

Before Mike McCarthy and Omar Khan, the Pittsburgh Steelers had a duo of Mike Tomlin and Kevin Colbert. McCarthy and Khan are going into their first season together, but they already have big decisions to make. No matter how things shake out, fans won't really be able to determine the success for a season or two. Tomlin and Colbert had to make many major decisions due to the success and longevity of their partnership. In 2021, the duo had a big decision to make, and in 2026, the franchise saw the rewards.

Late in the 2021 offseason, the team signed edge rusher Melvin Ingram to a one-year deal. Ingram had great success with the Los Angeles Chargers, making three straight Pro Bowls. 

Even though the organization signed Ingram, Alex Highsmith was waiting in the wings. Highsmith was a third-round pick in 2020 who showed major flashes in his rookie season. The front office decided to let Bud Dupree walk in free agency, meaning Highsmith was the next man up. 

There was some turmoil in the edge rusher room, with Ingram wanting to be the starter given his history. Just like now, the edge rusher room was very deep and only so many can be on the field at the same time. This led the Steelers to make a tough decision that, most would say, worked out in a big way. The organization decided to move on from Ingram, releasing him after just six games, choosing the second-year player over the Pro Bowler. 

Team insider Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently appeared on The North Shore Drive podcast, hosted by his colleague Christopher Carter. The two discussed the recent extensions the team has given out, building the team's foundation on their own draft picks. Fittipaldo suggests that Steeler Nation give Tomlin and Colbert more credit for choosing Highsmith over Ingram, who was on a one-year deal. 

"Let's go back and give Tomlin and Colbert some credit for the way they handled that Ingram and Highsmith situation," Fittipaldo said. "You know, I think a weaker GM or weaker head coach might have said, ok, you know, this Melvin Ingram, this established veteran. You know, maybe we're gonna acquiesce, and maybe we're gonna give in to his demands to play more. But they stuck with Alex Highsmith; they saw that value in him, and then what was it, Chris? Two to three years later, they signed him to that $68 million contract." 

Following the 2021 campaign, Highsmith broke out for 14.5 sacks after franchise cornerstone TJ Watt tore his pectoral muscle. After that breakout season, he earned a nice payday, which today is one of the biggest bargains in the NFL. Highsmith is now debatably the team's best edge rusher. Had the decision-makers chose to start Ingram, who knows where Highsmith would be today? 

While the decision to roll with the former Charlotte 49er paid off on the field, it may also pay off off the field. The current expectation is that one of Watt or Highsmith will be moved following the 2026 season. Due to Watt's contract, Highsmith is more likely to be moved, and his return could be very nice. With the edge rusher market being so inflated, the organization could definitely get a team to cough up a second-round pick for the edge rusher. 

Steelers Made The Right Decision

Ingram, in his six games in the Black and Gold, posted just one sack. After he was released, he quickly signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he also had just one sack. He was never able to return to his Pro Bowl form and was out of the league after the 2023 season. 

Highsmith, since then, has gone through the prime years of his career, which have been partially hindered due to injuries. Ingram would not have been able to give the organization what Highsmith has provided,  making the move a win for the franchise.

#SteelerNation