The Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers could reportedly agree to a blockbuster trade in the latest NFL rumors projection. According to Moe Moton of Bleacher Report, the analyst projects the Packers trading a 2027 Day 2 pick for linebacker Alex Highsmith before the 2026 season. With Micah Parsons unlikely to be ready for Week 1, it’s sensible, but he’ll eventually return at some point during the campaign. Still, the Packers should consider the deal even if they have to give up at least one of the talents instead of draft capital.
Meanwhile, the Steelers signed Nick Herbig to a long-term extension this offseason, followed by star TJ Watt, who’s under a blockbuster deal himself. This already puts Highsmith on the back burner entering this upcoming campaign, but he’s under the books until after the 2027 season. The Steelers still have time to keep Herbig, Watt and Highsmith for at least one more season.
This trade probably would’ve made sense if the Packers were desperate for an LB. Earlier this offseason, they traded for veteran Zaire Franklin, and although they lost Rashan Gary to Dallas, they still have a solid pass-rush group.
NFL Rumors: Steelers, Packers Connected in Star $68M Trade
Revised Package Deal
Instead of the Packers sending any of their draft picks, they could trade Lukas Van Ness. Entering the final year of his contract, the LB hasn’t been productive, unlike Highsmith. It sounds like a bad deal for Pittsburgh, but Green Bay could consider sending a Day 3 pick instead to make up for the potential loss. It’d take a lot from the Steelers to seal the deal, but it’s not impossible.
If Pittsburgh endures a losing year under QB Aaron Rodgers’ last season in the league, the LB could be disgruntled and request a trade out of the organization. It’s unlikely that it will happen, but when you have Myles Garrett, AJ Brown and other key playmakers who went to new teams this offseason, anything is truly possible. Here are three other teams that are monitoring the Steelers LB.
Other Possible Suitors
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys heavily invested in its pass-rush group this offseason. Last year, they had one of the worst defenses amid the Micah Parsons departure, and even trading for Quinnen Williams wasn’t enough. The team traded for Rashan Gary and Dee Winters this year, who they hope can turn into full-time starters in this group. Winters is more of a backup than he is a starter, while Gary is coming off his season in Green Bay last year.
The Cowboys grabbed Jaishawn Barham and Malachi Lawrence via the NFL Draft, but they’re not ready for full-time work. While the depth is there, could they panic and trade for Highsmith during the 2026 season? It’s likely the case, as he’d be a high-stakes fit for a team that needs a defensive playmaker.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers need to salvage their LB unit despite bringing back Khalil Mack. The veteran will probably retire after the 2026 season, which opens the door for Highsmith to have an exclusive starting role in Los Angeles come 2027. Tuli Tuipulotu, Daiyan Henley and Denzel Perryman are solid, but when you lost former defensive coordinator Jesse Minter this offseason, the Chargers should be motivated to upgrade the trenches unit to the full extent in what head coach Jim Harbaugh promised.
Philadelphia Eagles
Earlier this offseason, the Eagles’ edge rush took a massive hit, losing Jaelan Phillips and Nakobe Dean in free agency. While it was brutal, the team traded for Jonathan Greenard to make up for the loss. Don’t be shocked if GM Howie Roseman gets aggressive like last year and tries to get Highsmith and team him up with Greenard.
