Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith is drawing trade interest from multiple NFL teams, according to reporting by Tom Pelissero of The Ringer.
Trade Inquiries and Roster Dynamics
Other franchises have asked about acquiring Highsmith via trade since last year, but the Pittsburgh Steelers have consistently declined, as reported by Noah Strackbein of Sports Illustrated citing Pelissero. The organization currently faces a crowded edge rusher room, featuring T.J. Watt producing at a high level at age 32 alongside younger contributors Nick Herbig and Jackn Sawyer in rotational duties. At 29 years old, Highsmith remains in his prime and is expected to attract additional inquiries approaching the trade deadline.
Future Outlook and Deadline Expectations
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed Nick Herbig to a $100 million contract extension during the offseason, all but assuring him a starting edge position by 2027. This financial commitment means either Highsmith or T.J. Watt will likely depart, and with Highsmith entering the final year of his contract in 2027 without remaining guaranteed money, he emerges as a primary trade candidate for next offseason. While an in-season trade is viewed as improbable as the team pursues another championship run with Aaron Rodgers, the situation is expected to change significantly next March.
