There’s a developing situation unfolding with the Pittsburgh Steelers edge rushers, which includes Nick Herbig, Alex Highsmith, and superstar TJ Watt.
Back on April 20th, Yahoo Sports senior reporter Charles Robinson reported that both Herbig and Highsmith’s names were “floating around front offices” as potential trade candidates, writing, “Highsmith turns 29 in August and still has two years remaining for a total scheduled base salary of $30 million ($14.5 in 2026 and $15.5 in 2027). With a strong year in 2026, it’s expected he’ll try to get back to the negotiating table for an extension that resets his salary and gets him another two years of guaranteed money.
But with Herbig waiting in the wings and having been very productive while rotating with Highsmith and T.J. Watt, the Steelers are expected to take some calls on Highsmith if the phone rings. As one high-level personnel executive said, ‘I think they will trade one of them [between Highsmith and Herbig].’”
Neither were traded leading up to and during the 2026 NFL Draft, but NFL insider Jeremy Fowler has brought up Watt’s name as a future potential trade candidate, which should entice the Chicago Bears.
Bears Receive Trade News Tidbit Regarding Steelers Star TJ Watt
GettyAlex Highsmith #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is congratulated by Nick Herbig #51 after scoring a touchdown after an interception against the Cleveland Browns.
Fowler first writes on Herbig’s situation, saying how producing 7.5 sacks as the Steelers No. 3 edge rusher will see him get a payday between now and when he hits free agency next offseason.
If the Steelers decide to extend Herbig, that’ll point to Watt becoming a trade asset, according to Fowler.
“To the point above: If the Steelers end up signing Herbig long term, having three large contracts allocated to one position is a tough proposition,” Fowler wrote. “Watt, for all his greatness, turns 32 in October and has guaranteed salaries of $32 million in both 2026 and 2027. Watt is a legacy player, something Pittsburgh values more than most. But some teams could see Pittsburgh at least considering moving on from him.”
The Bears, who ranked 31st in pass-rush win rate (29%) and 26th in run-stop win rate (29%), could use a player like Watt, especially since Chicago made minimal changes on the defensive line.
Chicago, according to OvertheCap.com, is projected to have roughly around $27 million in available cap in 2027 and a whopping $283 million in 2028. The Steelers won’t be able to ask for a hefty return for Watt, considering his contract and age, so it’s something that Bears general manager Ryan Poles should at the very least keep tabs on.
If not Watt, Nick Herbig and Alex Highsmith are Still Options
It’s wishful thinking to see the Bears pull off a trade for TJ Watt, but if not him, Nick Herbig and Alex Highsmith are still options.
In terms of Herbig’s situation, Chicago should wait for him to hit free agency as he’s entering the final year of his rookie deal. Herbig has racked up 16 sacks and nine forced fumbles in 45 games for the Steelers and still has a long career ahead of him, considering he’s still just 24 years old.
As for Highsmith, he signed a four-year, $68 million extension with the Steelers back in 2023 and still has two years left on his contract with cap hits at around $20 million in both 2026 and 2027.
As Watt’s sidekick, Highsmith has amassed 45 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, and 337 total tackles in 90 career games across six seasons with the Steelers. He’s older than Herbig (28), but is expected to come at a cheaper price tag, with Herbig expected to sign a massive deal in the near future.
Either way, the Steelers have three enticing options at edge rusher that the Bears should keep an eye on.
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