After the TJ Watt contract extension, it could leave the Pittsburgh Steelers with no other choice but to trade linebacker Alex Highsmith. According to a report, one source believes the money that the Steelers are using to extend Watt might not leave room for Highsmith the following offseason. Originally selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the former Charlotte product is coming off a down year after just recording six sacks, 45 tackles and two passes defensed. This comes after he had a promising 2023 campaign, where the expectation was that he was going to thrive in the Steelers’ defense for a long time.
As a significant portion of the Steelers’ cap space will be dedicated to Watt’s contract, this means the Steelers might have to make some difficult decisions in the next few offseasons. Despite Highsmith signing an extension in 2023, it doesn’t guarantee him another deal after the next two seasons with the Steelers. Since he hasn’t been performing up to standards in Pittsburgh, it might be safer to trade him while he’s still healthy if there’s no real clear path for him to get another long-term extension. The Steelers could always turn to Nick Herbig or Jack Sawyer if they decide to trade Highsmith, since it might become impossible to have two of the highest pass-rushers in the league.
Breaking: TJ Watt Contract Extension Could Signal Alex Highsmith Trade
Best Fits
Carolina Panthers
After releasing Jadeveon Clowney, the Carolina Panthers still need to find a long-term pass rusher for their defense. They got Christian Rozeboom in free agency, but he and Josey Jewell are still unproven to lead this pack. Highsmith might have been slowing down, and he won’t be a modern-day Luke Kuechly, but he has a lot of ferocious power to turn this once-ugly defense into something special.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints will have one of the worst offenses in the league due to Derek Carr’s retirement, so this means they will have to learn a little heavier on the defensive side of the ball. With Willie Gay gone, the Saints could use an uptempo playmaker to help DeMario Davis and Pete Werner. This would be a great opportunity for Highsmith to be the main contributor to this defensive unit.
Washington Commanders
Despite signing Von Miller in an attempt to replace Dante Fowler Jr. after losing him this offseason, the Washington Commanders need more long-term physical hitters. Miller and Bobby Wagner are solid in temporary roles, but someone like Highsmith and Frankie Luvu will benefit this defense for the longevity to give Jayden Daniels more opportunities on the field. Highsmith and Luvu partnering sounds like a nightmare for opposing offenses who love to throw the football.
Los Angeles Chargers
Even though the Los Angeles Chargers need more life offensively in the wake of Mike Williams’ retirement, the team still needs to find a long-term replacement after letting go of Joey Bosa. Of course, Khalil Mack coming back is good news for the heat and soul of this pass-rush, but if they want to increase their chances of a Super Bowl trip, they should get Highsmith. The Steelers would never trade within the AFC, but the Chargers, loving the defensive trenches, could offer something that Pittsburgh can’t turn down.
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