PIT Alex Highsmith
NFL player. Position: EDGE. Team: PIT (Pittsburgh Steelers).
Quick Facts
- Position: Edge Rusher / Pass Rusher
- Team: PIT (Pittsburgh Steelers)
- Draft: 2020 NFL Draft, 3rd round (by Pittsburgh)
2026 Outlook
Highsmith has emerged as a consistent edge presence opposite T.J. Watt since 2020, helping the Steelers transition away from Bud Dupree. However, mid-2026 trade rumors have surfaced linking him to Washington, Philadelphia, Buffalo, and San Francisco as potential landing spots. Per team insiders, Highsmith "has flashed strong pass-rush potential in the past, but has been unable to get home consistently." The Steelers' recent absence at OTAs combined with Nick Herbig's massive contract extension has raised questions about Highsmith's immediate future in Pittsburgh. Interest from multiple teams suggests his combination of youth and established edge-rushing skills could make him attractive in a trade market, particularly to contenders seeking defensive help (per Steelers' Alex Highsmith linked to 4 NFL trade landing spots - Steelers Wire).
Role / Depth Chart
Currently operating as T.J. Watt's companion edge rusher on the Steelers' defensive line. Trade uncertainty may impact his role if Pittsburgh decides to build around younger edges like Nick Herbig.
Recent News
- 2026-05-09 — McCorkle: Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 53-Man Roster Prediction (Pre-OTAs) (McCorkle: Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 53-Man Roster Prediction (Pre-OTAs))
- 2026-06-19 — The 23 UFL Players Who Signed NFL Contracts This Week—and Their Chances of Making a... (The 23 UFL Players Who Signed NFL Contracts This Week—and Their Chances of Making a...)
- 2026-02-18 — 2026 NFL offseason: Players who need a change of scenery (2026 NFL offseason: Players who need a change of scenery)
- 2026-02-23 — Full list of 2026 NFL coordinator grades: Evaluating every OC and DC hire this offseason (Full list of 2026 NFL coordinator grades: Evaluating every OC and DC hire this offseason)
- 2026-05-03 — NFL defense rankings 2025: Evaluating all 32 Defenses Entering 2026 Season (NFL defense rankings 2025: Evaluating all 32 Defenses Entering 2026 Season)
- 2026-04-18 — Pittsburgh’s wait to host the draft is over, Steelers face uncertainty (Pittsburgh’s wait to host the draft is over, Steelers face uncertainty)
- 2026-06-08 — Breer’s Takeaways: How the A.J. Brown Trade Finally Got Done, and the Browns' Future... (Breer’s Takeaways: How the A.J. Brown Trade Finally Got Done, and the Browns' Future...)
- 2026-05-26 — Former Steelers LB Reveals Major Flaw with Defense Under Mike Tomlin (Former Steelers LB Reveals Major Flaw with Defense Under Mike Tomlin)
- 2026-06-16 — 2026 Opponent Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers, Week 6 (2026 Opponent Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers, Week 6)
- 2026-06-03 — Yaya Diaby's future with the Buccaneers just became a lot more intriguing thanks to... (Yaya Diaby's future with the Buccaneers just became a lot more intriguing thanks to...)