The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a rather intriguing financial puzzle as they look ahead to the 2026 season, particularly concerning their formidable outside linebacker corps. With a staggering $71 million in base salaries allocated to their top three players at this position, a question naturally arises: how do they intend to maximize this significant investment? Personally, I think the most logical answer is that they likely won't have all three by the start of that season. This leads me to ponder a potentially seismic shift – the possibility of a trade involving Alex Highsmith.
What makes this situation particularly fascinating is the apparent salary disparity that Fittipaldo highlighted. If Nick Herbig is set to earn $7 million more per season than Highsmith, it begs the question of how sustainable that arrangement is for the team's long-term financial health and roster construction. From my perspective, this isn't just a minor detail; it's a glaring indicator that something has to give. The "other shoe dropping" isn't a matter of if, but when and how.
One thing that immediately stands out is the timing of any potential trade. Fittipaldo's argument that trading Highsmith now would yield a higher return than waiting until he has only one year left on his contract is incredibly sound. If the goal is to recoup assets, waiting diminishes that value. It’s a classic case of supply and demand; a player with two years of control is inherently more valuable than one with just one year remaining. This raises a deeper question about the team's strategic outlook: are they aiming for an immediate Super Bowl push, or are they building for sustained success?
We saw a precedent for unexpected, impactful trades when Omar Khan sent Minkah Fitzpatrick for Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith. While that was a different scenario with different motivations, it demonstrated the front office's willingness to make bold moves when they believe it aligns with an "all-in" window. Could a similar, albeit perhaps less splashy, move be on the horizon for Highsmith? It's certainly a possibility that can't be dismissed.
While many might instinctively point to T.J. Watt as the prime trade candidate due to his large contract, his age and contract structure make him a less attractive option for potential suitors compared to Highsmith. Highsmith, being three years younger and coming off a more productive season, represents a more appealing piece for a team looking to bolster its pass rush for the future. If the Steelers are indeed looking to move one of their high-priced edge rushers, Highsmith is, in my opinion, the most logical and valuable asset to leverage.
Fittipaldo's gut feeling that not all three linebackers will be on the roster by the regular season opener is a strong signal. The edge rusher market, as evidenced by recent blockbuster deals, is incredibly hot. Teams are willing to pay a premium for proven talent. While a second-round pick might be considered "fair" for Highsmith, the unpredictable nature of the EDGE market could lead to an even more lucrative return, especially if multiple teams are vying for his services. It’s a situation where the Steelers could potentially strike gold, much like the Browns did with Myles Garrett.
What's particularly interesting is the conflicting reports and the inherent volatility of trade negotiations. While Fittipaldo suggests a trade is likely, other insiders have indicated the Steelers intend to keep all three. This creates a fascinating dynamic. It suggests that the team might be exploring all avenues, gauging interest, and weighing their options. If they are indeed taking calls, as has been reported for both Highsmith and Herbig, it implies a proactive approach to managing their roster and financial commitments. The EDGE market has proven to be a wild card this offseason, and I believe the Steelers are wise to be exploring every possibility.
Ultimately, the question boils down to strategy and financial prudence. Can the Steelers afford to carry such a significant salary cap hit for their outside linebackers without compromising other areas of the team? Personally, I doubt it. This leads me to believe that a trade is not only possible but perhaps necessary. The question isn't really if a move will be made, but rather who will be the one to depart and when that transaction will occur. Could Omar Khan surprise us all with another significant summer deal? It’s a storyline worth following closely as the offseason progresses.
