Despite signing a four-year deal two seasons ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers could trade $68 million pass rusher Alex Highsmith this year. According to Bleacher Report, they think the Steelers may send the linebacker in a trade since they were open to trading George Pickens this offseason. This feels like a stretch as Highsmith is likely not going anywhere unless the Steelers endure a losing season, which is unlikely too if they get Aaron Rodgers as their signal-caller. Originally selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the former Charlotte product became one of the league’s most productive pass-rushers, recording over 35 sacks, nine forced fumbles, seven pass deflections and 287 total tackles.
Highsmith’s numbers are dipping, so that could be a reason why the Steelers may consider a trade, but either way, it shouldn’t be the reason, as the team is better off keeping him. However, they will plan to extend T.J. Watt, and that may complicate things for Highsmith, who may want another contract in the next two seasons. If communication doesn’t improve between the two linebackers, then the Steelers may consider at least listening to a conversation about a trade for Highsmith. It wasn’t too long before Watt was in some trade rumors during this offseason, so it’s not entirely impossible.
What one must keep in mind is that the two new edge rushers, Nick Herbig and 2025 draft pick Jack Sawyer, who seems promising for the unit. There may be competition in the defensive room soon, and if that happens, a trade might make sense to net some draft capital once the Steelers have to find another quarterback yet again to embrace the rebuild. If the Steelers trade Highsmith, these three teams could offer the best deals.
RUMOR: Steelers Could Trade Top $68 Million Weapon Alex Highsmith? – 3 Logical Fits
Possible Destinations
Carolina Panthers
It’s hard to believe the Carolina Panthers will be done making moves to improve their defense. After repairing their offense for the past two offseasons, the team is in the best position, even though they’re nowhere near postseason contenders. However, this doesn’t mean they stop from improving those chances. The Panthers released Jadeveon Clowney this offseason, so they need a capable replacement to fit the billing alongside Josey Jewell, who didn’t have that much of an explosive year.
While they signed Tershawn Wharton to strengthen the defensive line, they need to fill the gap in the pass-rushing unit. Derrick Brown is returning, and this means they must raise the intensity in this defensive room. Highsmith is all about getting intense, and if Dave Canales can pull off a trade, he should build the longevity of the defense.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the Saints are getting older on defense. Despite re-signing Chase Young, the Saints have Cameron Jordan and Demario Davis, who are getting up there in age. This doesn’t mean they won’t perform well by any means, but this signals that the Saints should start building their defense again. The Saints’ trade of Davon Godchaux is the first step, but won’t single-handedly carry this entire unit.
Highsmith could make the Saints competitive in the NFC again, even if they have one of the worst offenses with two inadequate quarterbacks.
Washington Commanders
However, the new culture might be too sweet, and the Commanders have been buying more than selling this offseason. Even though they’re bringing back Bobby Wagner, he’s not in his prime anymore, so they need a long-term linebacker like Frankie Luvu, and he could fit with Highsmith, who is a ball hog. These two could be a dangerous duo on the defensive side of the ball and make the Commanders become one of the most explosive teams in football, that’s already with Jayden Daniels and their offense.
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