Industry chatter suggests Highsmith is more tradable than Nick Herbig at this moment, though Herbig has also surfaced in trade discussions. The decision is complicated by contracts: Highsmith has two years left on his extension and roughly $20 million in cap hits over the next two seasons, while Herbig is on a rookie deal and is headed toward a contract extension after this season.
The Steelers have signaled they won’t shut down trade offers for an edge rusher during the draft, and there is a sense that a call for Highsmith could be worth pursuing if the right offer arrives.
Herbig’s youth and production in a rotational role with Highsmith and T.J. Watt keep him in play for potential deals, but Pittsburgh also faces the reality of free agency for Herbig next spring. Some discussions suggest any trade could involve a player ahead of Herbig on the depth chart, depending on how the team values its edge rush rotation.
Pittsburgh’s edge-rushing depth remains strong, with Watt, Highsmith, and Herbig joined by young prospects such as Jack Sawyer, Julius Welschof, and KJ Henry. Sawyer has shown promise, and could be positioned for a bigger role in 2026, potentially influencing how the Steelers approach any trade.
Highsmith led Pittsburgh with 9.5 sacks in 2025, adding 15 tackles for loss and multiple quarterback hits and forced fumbles. Over six seasons, he has 45 sacks and 64 tackles for loss, including a career-best 14.5 sacks in 2022, underscoring the value that a draft-capital boost could yield if Pittsburgh moves him.
