Recent news adds to speculation about Alex Highsmith's future with Steelers

And by doing so, Pittsburgh made their priorities clear. Herbig, 24, is the future of the linebacker room, and he's someone they didn't want to let get away. But does that sit well with Highsmith, a player who doesn't have the star power or monster sack totals like T.J. Watt, yet has been incredibly productive in his own right? 

Last season, Highsmith, right in the middle of his prime at 28, posted 50 tackles with 9.5 sacks in 13 games. His career highs are 74 tackles in 2021 and 14.5 sacks in 2022. 

Highsmith is nearing the end of his current contract

Adding to the speculation that Herbig's new contract may lead to trading a veteran, Highsmith is in the final year of a four-year, $68 million extension that has his contract run through the 2027 season. Most also expect a Highsmith trade to be far more likely than Watt based on his legendary status with the franchise. 

Recent moves from around the NFL add to the speculation

So with Highsmith on a significantly lesser contract and now missing usually mandatory parts of the offseason program, the topic about his future will only intensify. What's been going on around the league, most notably the Cleveland Browns sending two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams after repeatedly denying any interest in trading him, lends credence to anything being possible as well.