Steelers potentially making decision to trade defensive playmaker

The Pittsburgh Steelers were 4-1 at a point during the 2025 season, and fans were both happy and excited. After two consecutive losses, however, a lot of blame is being thrown in the direction of Mike Tomlin and his expensive defense. The main negative in the Steel City is that there remains no long-term answer at the quarterback position, and the defense that is supposed to carry the offense looks as inconsistent as ever.

A lot of changes may be coming in 2026 if the franchise continues to falter. Another one-and-done in the playoffs, or not making the postseason at all, could trigger a lot of turnover. One main issue with the Steelers' defense has been the inability to get to the quarterback. T.J. Watt has not been himself, and Alex Highsmith has once again missed time due to injury. 

Nick Herbig has made the most out of his opportunities, but for some reason, Tomlin and Co. have given him fewer snaps in recent weeks. This doesn't make too much sense given the young defender's explosiveness. 

With the Nov. 4 trade deadline nearing, it's plausible to believe that Pittsburgh will be in the market to make a move. No one is quite sure whether a wide receiver, safety, or both, could be in mind, but the organization isn't going to cave because of a couple of bad games and suddenly turn into sellers. The 2026 offseason, though, could be a different story.

Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette hosted a fan chat on Tuesday to discuss the state of the franchise. He denied that the team would look to shed some players for draft capital at the deadline, but did bring up the possibility that a highly-compensated player could be competing for a different city sooner rather than later.

"I don't think they'll be sellers," Fittipaldo wrote. "But since you want to play the game, Highsmith is the obvious candidate over the offseason if they want to sign Herbig."

It can be expected that Herbig will receive some kind of extension based on his big-play ability. It will be hard to keep three pass rushers on the roster that are all being paid millions of dollars each season, and Highsmith could the odd man out. The Steelers would be able to get some decent compensation in the return, but Highsmith needs to prove for the remainder of the 2025 season that he can stay healthy. That has been an issue throughout his career.

It's a little confusing as to why Herbig hasn't played nearly as much since Highsmith returned from injury. All three edge rushers are talented, but Herbig is currently the quickest out of the trio. With opposing quarterbacks getting rid of the ball so quickly, it would make sense to have a turnover-machine like Herbig on the field more than just for 40 percent or so of the defensive snaps.