Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers GM hints at contract extension for breakout player

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 2/28/23

The Steelers have the opportunity to lock up one of their 2022 breakout players before his contract expires and it seems like they will at least try to do so this offseason.

General manger Omar Khan spoke with reporters at the NFL Combine and was asked about an extension for LB Alex Highsmith. "We don't like good young players to get away," he responded.

Steelers GM Omar Khan said when asked about Alex Highsmith extension: We don’t like good young players to get away
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) February 28, 2023

Highsmith is entering the final year of his rookie deal and is coming off of a 14.5 sack season, which was the sixth-most in the NFL. He also had 63 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss and five forced fumbles.

It was certainly Highsmith's coming out party after totaling just eight sacks in his first two seasons. According to Spotrac, the 25-year-old is projected to receive a four-year, $55.63 million contract when the time comes for him to get paid.

Pittsburgh could wait one more season to make sure Highsmith's 2022 season wasn't a fluke but it would risk losing him or having to pay more if he plays similar or better in 2023.

This season was all the more impressive as Highsmith had a career year without the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year in T.J. Watt on the field for seven games to take away pressure.

Either way, it will be exciting to watch a fully healthy Watt and Highsmith on the field together in 2023.

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