The Dallas Cowboys are heading into NFL draft week determined to finish a job they started last month with the trade for Rashan Gary and the signings of multiple defensive backs, highlighted by the addition of Jalen Thompson. Dallas has done much to address the backline of the defense, but now they’ll need to do more adding up front and in the middle to have a shot a fixing what was a league-worst defense in 2025.
That means adding a polished edge rusher and at least two linebackers. The Cowboys are seeking more help at cornerback, too. New defensive coordinator Christian Parker has high expectations in his first season on the job, but he still does not have the personnel to get significantly better in 2026.
The Cowboys have two first-round picks, at No. 12 and No. 20, to address some of the team’s holes, but Dallas still needs veteran additions to get better. And there’s been some positive rumblings on the trade market, where Steelers star Alex Highsmith is said to be available.
Cowboys Could Target Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig
That’s according to Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports, who also cites edge rusher Nick Herbig as a trade candidate for the Steelers. Herbig would also be of interest to the Cowboys, but Robinson writes Pittsburgh would likely deal one but not both.
He adds: “Alex Highsmith’s name, along with fellow edge Nick Herbig are definitely floating around front offices as the draft approaches, although it seems that any trade would be a one-but-not-both scenario, with Highsmith being the likelier candidate to get moved. 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.”
Alex Highsmith a Top Pass-Rusher
Of course, if he is looking to renegotiate and get paid in relatively normal NFL fashion, the Cowboys might not be Highsmith’s best option. But that’s a problem for another day. For now, Highsmith is looking to get back on the field and show his value, much as George Pickens did last year after a Cowboys-Steelers trade.
The Steelers are overloaded on the edge with Herbig and the newly re-signed TJ Watt. Highsmith had some health issues but managed 9.5 sacks in 13 games last season. He had an 82.2 grade from Pro Football Focus last season, which rated him No. 12 out of 119 pass-rushers.
Cowboys Would Need to Shuffle Draft Assets
As with any trade in the NFL, the Cowboys’ ability and willingness to pull off a deal for Highsmith depends on what they’re willing to give up. Considering his age and the contract concerns, the Cowboys would be looking for something of a discounted price on Highsmith, though it is hard to see the Steelers wanting anything less than a second-rounder for him.
That’s where things may get sticky. The Cowboys could add a second-round pick as part of a package that starts by trading down from No. 12 and/or No. 20, but that will require a lot of juggling and cooperation from teams that have other irons in the fire. Still, Highsmith is a name worth monitoring.
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