Steelers give breakout LB huge extension

Linebacker Alex Highsmith was one of the Steelers' pleasant surprises from the 2022 season and they rewarded him with a massive contract extension Wednesday morning.

According to reports, Highsmith agreed to sign a four-year, $68M contract extension with Pittsburgh, making him among the top 10 highest paid edge-rushers in the NFL.

Highsmith, the Steelers' 2020 third-round pick, was entering the final year of his rookie deal. So, Pittsburgh stuck to its core principle of drafting, developing and paying its key players.

The 25-year-old is certainly deserving as he is coming off a career-high 14.5 sacks and a league-leading five forced fumbles last season, which was especially impressive with the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year, T.J. Watt, missing several games due to a pectoral injury.

"I am a Pittsburgh Steeler through and through and to be a part of this amazing organization for four more years means the world to me. This is where I want to be. This is where I want to play ball. I can't wait to get to work," Highsmith said after signing the extension.

With Highsmith locked up for many years to come, the Steelers have a case for having the best pass-rushing duo in the NFL. There will be an expectation that Watt and Highsmith are as they are by far the highest-paid duo in the league with a combined $45M-per-year salary.

Highsmith must still prove his 2022 season wasn't a fluke, but he has gotten better every year, so opposing offenses should beware Pittsburgh in 2023.