Steelers Elite Outside Linebacker Alex Highsmith Named As A Top Trade Candidate In 2023

One of the Pittsburgh Steelers' biggest surprises of the 2022 NFL season was the production of Alex Highsmith. He was able to shine brightly after the team's superstar pass rusher TJ Watt suffered a pectoral injury that held him out for several games. Highsmith was able to record 14.5 sacks, 63 total tackles, and five forced fumbles in his impressive 2022 season. Now at just 25 years old, expectations are that he will be able to take the leap and become a superstar in the NFL. But just one thing is holding him back. Highsmith's contract is up in Pittsburgh after this season and many fans believe that this should be one of the team's biggest priorities.

A contract extension is extremely likely to happen with Highsmith, but it is not certain. With Pittsburgh already projected to be over the cap next year, they may not be able to bring him back. Because of this, one of the options for the Steelers in dealing with Highsmith could be looking at trading him. Kristopher Knox recently did an article for Bleacher Report where he named three players who could be traded ahead of training camp. They noted that if they can't bring him back, that they have to consider trading or else possibly losing him for a compensatory pick in 2024.

"There's no guarantee that they can retain Highsmith if he reaches 2024 free agency. Pittsburgh is already projected to be $6.7 million over the cap next year. And Highsmith would undoubtedly bring a spicy trade package back if he's dealt to a pass-rusher-needy team. He's young, he's productive, and he's set to carry a cap hit of just under $3 million this season. Virtually any contender would be happy to land Highsmith, and a high Day-two draft selection would likely be his value floor. If the Steelers can't work out a long-term deal before Week 1—again, they should try to do so—they have to consider dealing Highsmith before potentially losing him for a compensatory pick in 2024 free agency."

Realistically a trade package would probably be at the lowest a second-round pick. Most likely if for some reason a trade were to happen, it would involve a team giving up a first-round pick for Highsmith. A trade could also very well look like what the Steelers did when they made the jump and got Minkah Fitzpatrick. It involved a first-round pick, as well as various pick swaps. Although, Highsmith would not be traded for the same reasons that Fitzpatrick was. He has made it very clear that he wishes to stay in Pittsburgh, where the sole reason for Fitzpatrick being traded was that he wanted out of Miami.

Highsmith has shown time and time again that Pittsburgh is the place he wants to be. He did so by not missing a single practice during OTAs where he could have to get his contract situated. From an interview with Joe Rutter for TribLive, Highsmith seemed to not be too worried about the situation and will let it happen when the time comes.

"We’ll see when that time comes," Highsmith said. "Right now, I’m working. Being with the team, being with the guys means a lot to me." He then noted, "We’ll see what happens. I’m confident with the way things are going. … Right now, I just want to focus on ball."

One Of These Steelers Traded In The Future

Highsmith getting traded this season is unlikely, but the other two players that Bleacher Report has listed could be possibilities. They have offensive guard Kevin Dotson and tight end Zach Gentry as two top trade candidates. Gentry is currently in a stacked tight end room for the Steelers. Dotson is presumed to lose his starting job to Pro Bowler Isaac Seumalo who was brought in this offseason. Don't be surprised if you do see either one of these Steelers traded in the near future.

So, what do you think, Steeler Nation? Is there any possibility that Highsmith gets traded? Let me know what you think in the comments below!