PittsbAlex Highsmith (56) is putting up similar numbers to the league's best pass rushers. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Tomlin on LB Alex Highsmith: 'Alex is legit'

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 11/29/22

Alex Highsmith may not be a name known by a lot of NFL fans, but it's time to learn his name.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is very high on Highsmith. "Alex is legit. I think everybody knows that," Tomlin told reporters. "But at the same time, it’s good to have 90 on the opposite side of you. I think that helps."

Coach Tomlin on the win over the Colts ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/zbsaGbEulK
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 29, 2022

The Steelers' third-year linebacker is having a career year, even without the assistance of LB T.J. Watt for seven weeks. Highsmith has his first double-digit sack season, and his 10 sacks rank fifth in the NFL.

Highsmith's season-high in sacks is impressive, but he's also putting up similar numbers to the league's best pass rushers.

Alex Highsmith is outplaying Myles Garrett so far this season:

Alex Highsmith: 22 solo tackles, 9 sacks, 3 forced fumbles.

Myles Garrett: 18 solo tackles, 8.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles. #Steelers #NFL
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) November 26, 2022

Watt gave him some praise after Highsmith tallied a sack, two quarterback hits, and a forced fumble in Pittsburgh's 24-17 win Monday night against the Colts.

"Incredible. To go out and close out a game like that as a rusher, its awesome. Something we need more," Watt said after the game.

Highsmith's rookie contract expires after the 2023 NFL football season, but the Steelers could extend him this offseason if they wanted to. Should they?

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