After losing Nic Scourton to a torn ACL this week, the Carolina Panthers may have found their best replacement in the latest NFL rumors. According to a source, Pittsburgh Steelers standout Alex Highsmith might emerge as the newest LB despite the team salvaging the unit by signing Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd. However, they’re in dire need of a starter since Patrick Jones isn’t the ideal permanent solution the Panthers should be leaning on. Highsmith, a former third-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, is coming off a solid 2025 campaign, hauling in a team-high 9.5 sacks to go with 50 total tackles (36 solo) and three passes defended.
After Pittsburgh gave Nick Herbig a new contract, new rumors surrounding the Charlotte product swirled. It’s easy to see why the linebacker could be a fit for Carolina. Well, he’s from North Carolina, but he could be seeking a scenery change if the Steelers aren’t compensating his next deal. Pittsburgh arguably can’t afford to keep Watt, Herbig and Highsmith on massive deals, and probably would be asked to reduce their deal.
While Watt has been teased as a trade candidate, too, this offseason, the 28-year-old could be looking on the outside as rookie standout Jack Sawyer had himself an impressive 2025 season.
NFL Rumors: Panthers, Steelers Linked in Massive $68M Star Trade
Decisions… Decisions…
The Steelers aren’t agreeing to a trade before Week 1 unless they receive a proposal they can’t turn down. Pittsburgh does need another receiver to help Aaron Rodgers despite trading for Michael Pittman Jr. this offseason. The Steelers could give up Highsmith to strengthen their offensive pass-attack, acquiring WR Xavier Legette in exchange. However, don’t expect anything to materialize until at least before the trade deadline.
If the Panthers are 3-5 while the Steelers are 7-1, this trade might likely happen within that same week. For now, no one knows if the blockbuster proposal will come to fruition, but one thing everyone should keep on their radar as a trade candidate is Highsmith, so here are three teams that could target him.
