Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Highsmith updates status of contract negotiations

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 5/24/23

Steelers LB Alex Highsmith told reporters on Tuesday that he has begun negotiating with the team for a contract extension and he revealed what that could look like this summer.

"I'm someone who likes to be here and likes to work," Highsmith said. He also added that he's "optimistic" a deal will get done but isn't sure where exactly they are in the process.

Alex Highsmith said his agent has started working with the Steelers on his extension, but he doesn't know where exactly they are in the process. He said he's "optimistic" they'll get it done.

Highsmith: "I'm someone who likes to be here and likes to work."
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) May 23, 2023

It should be music to the ears of fans in Pittsburgh. It is hard to tell when players will holdout when negotiating for a new contract, but that doesn't seem to be the case for Highsmith, at least for now.

Highsmith, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, is certainly deserving after having the sixth-most sacks (14.5) and most forced fumbles (five) in the NFL in 2022.

According to Spotrac, the 25-year-old's projected value is a four-year, $55.63 million contract, which is a nearly $14 million per year average.

The Steelers have created a lot of cap space recently with the release of CB Ahkello Witherspoon and extension of QB Mitch Trubisky, which added almost $10 million in funds.

Plus, with QB Kenny Pickett entering just his second season on his rookie deal, Pittsburgh should take full advantage and pay deserving players like Highsmith.

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