PIT Alex Highsmith
NFL player. Position: EDGE. Team: PIT (Pittsburgh Steelers).
Quick Facts
- Position: Edge Rusher / Pass Rusher
- Team: PIT (Pittsburgh Steelers)
- Draft: 2020 NFL Draft, 3rd round (by Pittsburgh)
2026 Outlook
Highsmith has emerged as a consistent edge presence opposite T.J. Watt since 2020, helping the Steelers transition away from Bud Dupree. However, mid-2026 trade rumors have surfaced linking him to Washington, Philadelphia, Buffalo, and San Francisco as potential landing spots. Per team insiders, Highsmith "has flashed strong pass-rush potential in the past, but has been unable to get home consistently." The Steelers' recent absence at OTAs combined with Nick Herbig's massive contract extension has raised questions about Highsmith's immediate future in Pittsburgh. Interest from multiple teams suggests his combination of youth and established edge-rushing skills could make him attractive in a trade market, particularly to contenders seeking defensive help (per Steelers' Alex Highsmith linked to 4 NFL trade landing spots - Steelers Wire).
Training camp snap distribution question (July 20): Highsmith led Pittsburgh with 9.5 sacks in 2025 despite only appearing in 13 games, also posting career highs with 15 tackles for loss and 3 passes defensed. He earned AFC Defensive Player of Week 9 recognition. However, the big question entering 2026 is whether he'll remain an every-down starter or transition to a limited rotation role alongside T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig (who just signed an extension to play 60% of snaps). With all three deserving substantial opportunities, Highsmith could face snap competition or potentially become a trade target. (per Steelers 2026 Training Camp Preview: Outside Linebackers - Yardbarker)
Contract status makes Highsmith more vulnerable to trade (late July): As of late July, Kalshi's prediction markets list Highsmith among the most likely pass rushers to be traded, with his shorter remaining contract (two years) making a move more palatable than Herbig's guaranteed $42M extension. The article notes Highsmith "has been unable to get home consistently" despite past flashes, and with Pittsburgh's edge rusher logjam and Herbig's recent extension, Highsmith could become expendable—particularly if the Steelers need cap flexibility or bet on Watt and Herbig as their long-term edge rotation. (per Steelers DE Nick Herbig Has Highest NFL Trade Market on Kalshi)
Role / Depth Chart
Currently operating as T.J. Watt's companion edge rusher on the Steelers' defensive line. Trade uncertainty may impact his role if Pittsburgh decides to build around younger edges like Nick Herbig.
Recent News
- 2026-05-09 — McCorkle: Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 53-Man Roster Prediction (Pre-OTAs) (McCorkle: Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 53-Man Roster Prediction (Pre-OTAs))
- 2026-06-19 — The 23 UFL Players Who Signed NFL Contracts This Week—and Their Chances of Making a... (The 23 UFL Players Who Signed NFL Contracts This Week—and Their Chances of Making a...)
- 2026-02-18 — 2026 NFL offseason: Players who need a change of scenery (2026 NFL offseason: Players who need a change of scenery)
- 2026-02-23 — Full list of 2026 NFL coordinator grades: Evaluating every OC and DC hire this offseason (Full list of 2026 NFL coordinator grades: Evaluating every OC and DC hire this offseason)
- 2026-05-03 — NFL defense rankings 2025: Evaluating all 32 Defenses Entering 2026 Season (NFL defense rankings 2025: Evaluating all 32 Defenses Entering 2026 Season)
- 2026-04-18 — Pittsburgh’s wait to host the draft is over, Steelers face uncertainty (Pittsburgh’s wait to host the draft is over, Steelers face uncertainty)
- 2026-06-08 — Breer’s Takeaways: How the A.J. Brown Trade Finally Got Done, and the Browns' Future... (Breer’s Takeaways: How the A.J. Brown Trade Finally Got Done, and the Browns' Future...)
- 2026-05-26 — Former Steelers LB Reveals Major Flaw with Defense Under Mike Tomlin (Former Steelers LB Reveals Major Flaw with Defense Under Mike Tomlin)
- 2026-06-16 — 2026 Opponent Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers, Week 6 (2026 Opponent Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers, Week 6)
- 2026-06-03 — Yaya Diaby's future with the Buccaneers just became a lot more intriguing thanks to... (Yaya Diaby's future with the Buccaneers just became a lot more intriguing thanks to...)