The Pittsburgh Steelers have an interesting predicament at the edge-rusher position this offseason. While future Hall of Fame edge-rusher and starter T.J. Watt is occupying one side of the defensive line, the other side of the line is a whole different story. Veteran Alex Highsmith is the starter, but he is slated to turn 29 this year. Furthermore, he has recorded just one double-digit sack season in six years.
Former fourth-round pick Nick Herbig is entering a contract year and will need more playing time. According to insider Charles Robinson, Highsmith could be a trade candidate with the NFL Draft just days away.
The Pittsburgh Steelers Could Field Calls for Alex Highsmith
GettySteelers GM Omar Khan drafted Alex Highsmith in the third round out of Charlotte in 2020.
Here is what Robinson had to say about the Steelers possibly looking to trade Highsmith around the time of the draft:
“Highsmith’s name, along with fellow edge Nick Herbig, is 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…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.”
In the NFL, trades are a great way for a team to open up a pathway for a young player to emerge as a potential star. While Highsmith has been a steady presence as the team’s No. 2 edge-rusher, the Steelers need to see what they have in Herbig. Just 24 years of age and coming off the best season of his young career, Herbig deserves a chance to start more than just six games.
Steelers Have Plenty of Trade Ammunition
GettyThe Steelers have 12 total picks heading into the NFL Draft.
The Steelers are one of the league’s most interesting teams heading into this year’s NFL Draft. Not only are they coming off a division-winning season for the first time in five years, but they also made the move to hire Super Bowl-winning head coach Mike McCarthy to replace legendary head coach Mike Tomlin.
With a load of draft picks and after a big free agency period that saw the team trade for two-time 1,000-yard receiver Michael Pittman Jr., it is clear that this team is looking to win right now. If it were to trade away a player like Highsmith, it would be a move that would benefit the team financially in the long run. Those 12 draft picks could certainly help with a potential trade package.
Of course, the one remaining question surrounding the organization is what it will do at the quarterback position. While the odds of future Hall of Fame signal-caller Aaron Rodgers returning to Pittsburgh could be somewhat likely, given his previous experience in Green Bay with McCarthy and his previous, successful experience in Pittsburgh, an official signing has not been made yet. Time can only tell as the NFL draft is just days away from kicking off in the Steel City later this week.
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