How do you know it’s NFL Draft week? Well, it starts with the rumor mill being in full effect at the start of the week, and that’s exactly what happened. None other than Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher Alex Highsmith is among the names to watch on the trade market this week.

But the real question is, if the Steelers were to trade Highsmith, what exactly could they receive in return? I spoke with seven of my colleagues at A to Z Sports to gauge a potential market for Highsmith.

Chargers find a running mate for Khalil Mack

“The Chargers’ offseason has been quiet thus far. The team entered this offseason with a ton in the way of cap space, but Joe Hortiz has shown restraint in his spending on the open market. The AFC West has become an intense arms race, and the Chargers need to make sure they don’t fall off the pace. They’ve got cash to burn, room for another prolific pass rusher, and the need for a long-term replacement for Khalil Mack in their room. I think they can make a compelling landing spot for Highsmith as the Chargers look to invest big in players who are proven pieces.” – Kyle Crabbs, A to Z Sports NFL

Proposed offer: Chargers send pick No. 55 to Pittsburgh for Alex Highsmith

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Colts finally get a proven pass rusher, Steelers get a high upside QB

“The Colts have a major need at edge that I think they’d rather fill with a proven veteran than through the 2026 NFL Draft. Highsmith has been a great number two to TJ Watt, but can he be more? He’s flashed that ability when Watt misses time with an injury, so if Pittsburgh opts to trade him, I think the Colts would have interest. Their offer is Anthony Richardson and pick 156 113 in the fourth round of this year’s draft. There’s still uncertainty around Aaron Rodgers status for 2026, and Richardson would be solid training camp competition for Will Howard if Rodgers opts to retire.” – Destin Adams, A to Z Sports Indianapolis

Proposed offer: Anthony Richardson and a 2026 4th

Bucs willing to take the risk to upgrade their pass rush

“EDGE is still a big need for the Buccaneers and Highsmith, albeit a bit risky, is a guy who can certainly upgrade the pass rush. The risk with Highsmith is injuries. He’s missed 10 games over the last two seasons and even described last year as “very tough” as he dealt with groin, ankle, and pec injuries.”

“The former third-rounder missed four games, but still managed to record 9.5 sacks and a solid 15.4% pressure rate against true pass sets, per PFF. He also graded out as the Steelers’ best EDGE defender against the run, making him a complete player. Highsmith’s contract is also very manageable over the next two seasons, as he’s slated to earn $14.5 million and $15.5 million in base salaries.”

“That’s not a lot, at all, when considering how much pass rushers make these days. The recent injury history, plus the fact Highsmith turns 29 in August, brings down his value. Other than that, he’s a great trade target for the Buccaneers.” – Evan Winter, A to Z Sports Tampa Bay

Proposed offer: Pick No. 116 overall (4th round) and conditional 2027 fifth-rounder that jumps to a fourth-rounder if Highsmith records double-digit sacks in 2026.

Eagles looking to get back to being dominant at EDGE, Steelers get a young QB

“Philadelphia needs more ‘win-now’ help off the edge after losing Jaelan Phillips during free agency. Highsmith would step into a starting role immediately alongside Nolan Smith Jr. and/or Jalyx Hunt. He’s an underrated player and would immediately become one of the most talented for the Eagles’ defensive front seven. With the DT talent in Philly, Highsmith could wreak havoc.”

“With the Eagles reportedly aggressively assessing the trade market, according to Adam Schefter, this is a deal that could make sense during this year’s draft. If the Steelers don’t see a long-term path to keeping Highsmith, they can ship him off to the NFC in this scenario.” – Adam Holt, A to Z Sports Philadelphia

Proposed offer: QB Tanner McKee, 2026 third-round pick (no. 98)

Patriots aim to upgrade EDGE to keep the Super Bowl window open

“The New England Patriots need to get better at outside linebacker. Right now they are set to start Dre’Mont Jones and Harold Landry. John seems to be more fit to play that defensive end role rather than an outside linebacker, considering he’s 6’3, 285 pounds. At the outside linebacker position, you have to be able to drop back in coverage every once in a while. Jones did that just 12 times last year. Meanwhile, Landry did that 48 times last season. Highsmith is better than both players and would be an immediate upgrade, helping the Patriots get back on their road to continuing and maybe winning a Super Bowl. They have done a good job of fixing a few of their holes and problems so far this offseason. This trade would even further do that.” – Justin Churchill, A to Z Sports NFL

Proposed offer: 2026 second-round pick (no. 63)

Packers find their replacement for Rashan Gary

“The Packers got a fourth-rounder for Rashan Gary from the Dallas Cowboys, so paying a fourth back to acquire a player from the same age with a somewhat similar production is fair. But why would the Packers do it? Highsmith is accustomed to playing a secondary role in the edge group, spending his whole career alongside TJ Watt, but his salary is also a little bit lower.”

“At the moment, with Micah Parsons expected to miss the first few weeks of the regular season, the Packers have Lukas Van Ness, Brenton Cox, Barryn Sorrell, Collin Oliver, and Arron Mosby in the edge rotation. That’s certainly not ideal. Green Bay will realistically want to add an edge defender in the draft. If it doesn’t happen in the first three rounds, though, making a move for a veteran could become more enticing.” – Wendell Ferreira, A to Z Sports Green Bay

Proposed offer: 2026 4th-round pick

Cowboys go all-in on finding a pass rush

“Assuming No. 92 overall in the third round won’t land the Cowboys an edge rusher as good as Highsmith, they need to get creative. After all, Dallas has no second-round pick. But they can recreate it in the aggregate (where are my Moneyball fans?).”

“In this scenario, the Cowboys throw in a “trade-up” situation on top of pick No. 92 by swapping first-rounders with Pittsburgh. Dallas gets an outside linebacker who is a true fit with what Christian Parker wants to do on his new-look defense. This way, Dallas can focus on cornerback and linebacker later in the first round. Keeping their two first-rounders is of course, a must.” Mauricio Rodriguez, A to Z Sports Dallas

Proposed offer: Round 1 pick 12, round 3 pick 92

Final outcome

It’s a no-brainer in this contest. The Chargers and Patriots came strong with second-round offers, but the Steelers can move up eight spots in round one and net another top-100 pick, which would give them six total if they take the Cowboys’ offer.

Pittsburgh could package those four thirds to move up into round two, or higher in round three, which would be paramount in a draft that falls off a cliff come day three. It’s a yes, seven days a week if Dallas comes calling with this sort of offer, no matter how good Highsmith has been in Pittsburgh.