Steelers Might Have LB Trade to Consider

Behind him, Jack Sawyer has started to come along nicely, finding ways to use his massive size and physicality to become a run and pass rusher. DeMarvin Leal joined him in Week 3 and played much better than anticipated, being a very capable run-stuffing option on the outside. 

It’s a one-game sample size, but it’s a game that should start to force the Steelers’ attention. If the group can do it again in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings, it sparks a conversation on how long they can keep it up. Then, after the Bye Week, if Highsmith still isn’t back, they get another opportunity to showcase again. 

At the end of Highsmith’s injury, if Herbig looks like the starter he’s turning into and Sawyer and Leal are capable backups, Pittsburgh may have a decision to make on their future. 

Again, you don’t call around letting the league know Highsmith is up for grabs. Instead, you call looking for Dexter Lawrence and see if the conversation goes somewhere. If he goes into a player and a pick, maybe the 28-year-old is a name you toss out there. 

This isn’t nothing against Highsmith, who remains a solid outside linebacker and a key piece to the Steelers defense. In most instances, you don’t even think about trading your edge rusher, as it’s the most important position on the defense. 

But if Pittsburgh has too many of them and they still desperately need a nose tackle, or an offensive tackle, or even a wide receiver, maybe there’s consideration to be had. Because in Week 3, they sure looked good with the group out there.