The Pittsburgh Steelers' financial commitment to their top three outside linebackers in 2026 is substantial, and it's raising questions about the team's strategy. With over $71 million tied up in base salaries, the question arises: could a trade involving Alex Highsmith be on the horizon? The P-G's Ray Fittipaldo certainly thinks so, and his insights are worth considering.
Fittipaldo's concern stems from the significant disparity in salaries between Nick Herbig and Alex Highsmith. Herbig is set to earn $7 million more per season than Highsmith, which raises doubts about the team's ability to manage these investments effectively. Fittipaldo predicts a potential trade, suggesting that the Steelers might be better off dealing Highsmith now rather than after the season, as his value could diminish with only one year left on his contract.
The comparison to the previous trade involving Minkah Fitzpatrick is intriguing. Just a year ago, Omar Khan made a surprising move, trading Fitzpatrick for Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith. This move demonstrated the Steelers' commitment to a short-term window. Could a similar strategy be on the table for Highsmith? The edge rusher market is hot, and Highsmith, with a base salary of $14.5 million this year and $15.5 million next, is a prime trade piece.
Fittipaldo's gut reaction is that all three linebackers won't be with the team by the start of the regular season. He suggests that a second-round pick would be a fair return for Highsmith, given the edge rusher market's current demand. The trade buzz surrounding Herbig and Highsmith during the draft further supports this idea. Highsmith's performance, tripling Jonathan Greenard's sack total in 2025, and his younger age make him an attractive trade asset.
The Steelers' intention to keep Watt, Highsmith, and Herbig is noted, but the EDGE market's unpredictability adds an element of surprise. Omar Khan's history of surprising trades, like the one involving Fitzpatrick, suggests that another summer surprise might be on the horizon. The question remains: will the Steelers capitalize on Highsmith's value before the 2026 season begins?
