The latest Alex Highsmith trade rumors could heat up right before the 2026 campaign, as the Pittsburgh Steelers gave LB Nick Herbig a blockbuster extension. It wasn’t too long before the team gave superstar TJ Watt a monster deal last year, but the Herbig extension could mean that the Steelers are heading in a different direction. According to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Highsmith missed mandatory practice, which raises questions about whether he will attend. Although it was due to a stomach bug, it was interesting timing for the linebacker.
The young star was originally selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft and signed an extension in 2023. After having an explosive 2022 season, hauling in 63 tackles, a team high 14.5 sacks, and league-leading five forced fumbles, it was no surprise that the team decided to lock him down. The good news for Pittsburgh Highsmith is still under contract through 2027, so the Steelers still have some time to figure out his next deal.
Alex Highsmith Trade: $100M Deal May Trigger Massive Talks
Unfortunately, the Steelers have a long-term issue at the same time. They now have three highly-paid LB’s amongst Watt, Highsmith and now Herbig. The former Charlotte product will be in his 30’s by the time he’s eligible for a new deal. It could trigger some sort of talks in the next few months, especially with former head coach Mike Tomlin gone.
The Steelers have one of the deepest LB depths, too. With a young Jack Sawyer and veteran Cole Holcomb, they could afford to move Highsmith. Nobody should expect that to happen, but if these three teams call for the LB, the Steelers could entertain the talks for the right price.
Potential Trade Fits
Dallas Cowboys
While the Dallas Cowboys don’t have the cap space, they could free up some money by restructuring some contracts. Despite adding Malachi Lawrence via the draft, the team needs game-changers to increase their odds of winning the pass-rush. Highsmith is still in his prime; other than his age, which could be a concern, but after trading for Dee Winters to fill as depth, why should they stop there?
Donovan Ezeiruaku and Lawrence are listed as the frontrunners to battle for the starting spot, but with the adjustment of adding the Steelers LB, the Cowboys should have a solid squad between Rashan Gary, Winters and Highsmith.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers added a promising veteran, Zaire Franklin, to the squad after sending Gary to Dallas. While that’s a solid addition, there’s still work, unfortunately, to be done. Micah Parsons reportedly won’t be ready until October, which is a huge blow to what the Packers were trying to build this offseason. If the Packers want to add another LB, they could before the 2026 season.
Franklin and Edgerrin Cooper are projected to start, but there’s still a temporary need. Highsmith won’t be the long-term addition for this defense, but he’s a better option right now than Lukas Van Ness on the front row of this edge rush.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, head coach Jim Harbaugh talked a big game about winning football games in the trenches, but where is it? The Los Angeles Chargers haven’t made any drastic moves on defense other than re-signing Khalil Mack for another season and acquiring Dalvin Tomlinson in free agency. The only reason why the team signed Tomlinson is due to the loss of Otito Ogbonnia, who bolted for Dallas.
Since the team lost Poona Ford during 2025 free agency, it has been the same story for this defense. The Chargers have the cap space to make this trade happen, so Harbaugh should put his money where his mouth is and get Highsmith at least as the next man up in this LB group.
