.jpg)
1 hour ago
3
The Pittsburgh Steelers decision to sign Nick Herbig to a four-year, $100 million contract extension last Tuesday immediately raised questions about T.J. Watt’s future with the AFC North franchise.
The move could signal that the Steelers are slowly moving away from the eight-time Pro Bowler, which could result in him soon becoming a trade candidate. Based on a recent trade rumor, though, there’s another high-level defender who could realistically depart the franchise this summer, and his name is Alex HighSmith.
The 2022-23 NFL forced fumbles co-leader was recently linked to a trade with either the Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, or San Francisco 49ers.
“The Steelers’ loaded pass-rush group, led by TJ Watt and recently extended Nick Herbig, has created a potential squeeze on Alex Highsmith,” NFL insider Jason La Canfora reported Monday.
“While Pittsburgh has no urgency to move him, inconsistency and a schematic shift could make him the most likely trade candidate.”
“League interest is already forming, with Washington, Philadelphia, Buffalo and San Francisco all monitoring his situation ahead of a possible in-season move. But linebacker Alex Highsmith could end up being the one to go at some point this summer or fall.”
Highsmith is off to an encouraging start to his NFL career. As a former third-round pick, the expectations surrounding the Charlotte product were reasonable but far from astronomical.
Through six seasons, Highsmith has cemented himself as a strong-willed, tactical pass rusher who forces opposing quarterbacks to second-guess their decisions and has a knack for dislodging the ball and making life less complicated for the Steelers’ offense.
Highsmith has recorded 337 tackles, 45 sacks, and 10 forced fumbles in the big leagues thus far. It’ll be interesting to see if Highsmith’s potential suitors take the next step in the trade process and move closer to prying the 28-year-old from Pittsburgh.
More NFL:
English (US)