The Pittsburgh Steelers have a league-leading 12 selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. But pundits have speculated the team could potentially add more draft capital in a trade involving either edge rusher Alex Highsmith or Nick Herbig this offseason.
Yahoo Sports’s Charles Robinson reported the Steelers are more likely to trade Highsmith than Herbig. Robinson also wrote Thursday the team will not shut down trade offers for an edge rusher if they come in during the 2026 NFL Draft.
“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,” wrote Robinson.
“While Herbig’s name has come up in conversations with teams about potential trade targets, it feels like the more acquirable player at this point would be Highsmith. Herbig is younger and has been productive despite limited starts. The complication is that he’s ascending and due for a contract extension after this season and the market for him — barring an injury or setback in his play — is quickly moving north.”
Robinson, though, also didn’t rule out a Steelers trade involving Herbig.
“That doesn’t mean he’s available, but other front offices sense the logjam the Steelers are dealing with,” concluded Robinson.
The Steelers have three starting quality edge rushers. That’s ultimately a good problem to have. But the team is trying to navigate the fact Herbig will be a free agent next offseason.
Highsmith could also seek a new deal before the 2027 NFL campaign.
Steelers Could Trade Alex Highsmith During 2026 NFL Draft: Report
GettyYahoo Sports’s Charles Robinson reported the Pittsburgh Steelers are “expected” to accept phone calls to discuss a potential Alex Highsmith trade during the 2026 NFL Draft.
While the trade chatter in the Steelers edge rushing room isn’t new, Robinson was the first to report the team could be interested in a move.
If the Steelers want to trade an edge rusher this offseason, Robinson seems correct that Highsmith is the most obvious choice.
Some pundits have floated former Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt as a trade candidate, but that seems unlikely given his $42 million cap hit.
Herbig is an intriguing trade candidate because he’s still on his rookie deal. That expires next spring. If the Steelers don’t plan on re-signing him, analysts have argued the team could trade Herbig before losing him in free agency.
When asked about a potential Herbig trade, though, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac wrote on April 8, “I think the trade would involve someone ahead of him.”
As Robinson explained, Herbig is only 24 years old and has shown great promise in a rotational role. He could be Pittsburgh’s future at edge rusher with Watt 31 years old and Highsmith turning 29 in August.
Highsmith has two years left on his $68 million extension. He will have about a $20 million cap hit the next two seasons.
Robinson argued Highsmith will seek a new deal next offseason with one year remaining on his contract.
Steelers Edge Rushing Depth Entering 2026 NFL Draft
GettyEdge rusher Alex Highsmith led the Pittsburgh Steelers with 9.5 sacks during the 2025 NFL season.
The Steelers have one of the deepest edge rushing rooms in the league. That’s why the team could potentially accept trade offers for one of their outside linebackers.
In addition to Watt, Highsmith and Herbig, the Steelers have Jack Sawyer, Julius Welschof and KJ Henry at edge rusher on their offseason roster.
Sawyer showcased promise as a rookie in 2025. While he might not be ready to start, his presence could be another reason why the Steelers could trade an edge rusher this offseason.
In 2026, Sawyer could be ready for a bigger role as a potential No. 3 edge rusher.
Highsmith led the Steelers with 9.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss last season. He also had 19 quarterback hits, three pass defenses and a forced fumbles.
In six seasons, Highsmith has posted 45 sacks with 64 tackles for loss. He had a career-high 14.5 sacks and five forced fumbles in 2022.
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