Latest rumors surrounding Alex Highsmith could be the missing piece in the Steelers’ ability to trade up in the 2026 NFL Draft
The 2026 NFL Draft is just days away, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty of questions to answer, including whether or not Alex Highsmith will be on the team in 2026 following a string of reports.
We finally made it. The 2026 NFL Draft is just days away, and the next 48-72 hours will be full of intel, rumors, gossip, hearsay, and rumblings not only about prospects, but players already in the league.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are not immune to said noise, as one of their best players and most productive pass rushers during the 2025 season, Alex Highsmith, has been thrown headfirst into the trade rumor mill.
Alex Highsmith among group of NFL veterans in trade discussions
“Highsmith’s name, along with fellow edge Nick Herbig, is definitely floating around front offices as the draft approaches, although it seems that any trade would be a one-but-not-both scenario, with Highsmith being the likelier candidate to get moved. Highsmith turns 29 in August and still has two years remaining for a total scheduled base salary of $30 million ($14.5 in 2026 and $15.5 in 2027).”
“With a strong year in 2026, it’s expected he’ll try to get back to the negotiating table for an extension that resets his salary and gets him another two years of guaranteed money. But with Herbig waiting in the wings and having been very productive while rotating with Highsmith and T.J. Watt, the Steelers are expected to take some calls on Highsmith if the phone rings. As one high-level personnel executive said, ‘I think they will trade one of them [between Highsmith and Herbig].’” – Charles Robinson, Yahoo Sports
What could the Steelers receive for Alex Highsmith?
The idea of the Steelers losing their most productive pass rusher from last season in the prime of his career, as he comes off his best season to date, is a tough pill to swallow. Sure, Nick Herbig has the higher ceiling, and everyone is expecting a bounce-back year from T.J. Watt, but Highsmith is a three-down player who has wreaked havoc during his time in Pittsburgh.
From the Steelers’ POV, anything less than a day-two pick should be a non-negotiable. Highsmith may not be among the elite at the position, but double-digit sack-getters in their athletic prime aren’t on the market very often. If they were to net yet another second or a fourth, that would give them more than enough capital to move up, or even back into round one.
I would strongly consider keeping the quartet of Highsmith, Watt, Herbig, and Sawyer intact, but if the Steelers feel the financial ramifications are too significant, then Highsmith may be the odd man out.