The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a rather intriguing, albeit potentially precarious, financial situation concerning their outside linebacker corps. With a staggering $71 million in base salaries allocated to their top three edge rushers by 2026, one has to wonder if the team truly intends to keep this expensive trio intact. Personally, I think this kind of financial commitment raises a significant question: is the goal to maximize these investments, or is there a strategic maneuver at play? The idea of a trade, particularly involving Alex Highsmith, is certainly gaining traction, and for good reason.
What makes this scenario particularly fascinating is the potential disparity in future earnings. As insider Ray Fittipaldo pointed out, if the Steelers are looking at paying Nick Herbig significantly more than Highsmith in the coming seasons, the long-term viability of keeping all three becomes a real head-scratcher. In my opinion, this financial imbalance is a huge red flag. It suggests that a "shoe is going to drop," as Fittipaldo puts it, and it's hard to see how all three can coexist under such a salary structure.
From my perspective, the most logical move, if a trade is on the table, would be to act sooner rather than later. Fittipaldo's argument that trading Highsmith now, with two years left on his deal, would fetch a better return than trading him with just one year remaining is a sound one. Teams are always looking for established talent, and a player like Highsmith, who is younger and coming off a more productive season than a veteran like T.J. Watt, presents a more attractive package. What many people don't realize is that the value of a player can diminish significantly as their contract dwindles, making an immediate trade a potentially shrewd business decision for the Steelers' general manager.
If you take a step back and think about it, the Steelers have shown a willingness to make bold, unexpected moves. Remember the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade? Nobody saw that coming, but it was a clear signal that the team was willing to go all-in for a championship window. Could a similar, albeit different, surprise be on the horizon for Highsmith? It’s a thought that immediately sparks my curiosity.
While many might prefer to see Watt moved due to his substantial contract, Highsmith actually presents a more appealing trade commodity. His current base salary is more manageable, he's younger, and his recent performance, especially compared to players like Jonathan Greenard, is quite impressive. The edge rusher market is undeniably "red-hot," as evidenced by the substantial haul the Browns received for Myles Garrett. This suggests that a player of Highsmith's caliber could command a significant return, perhaps even a second-round pick, as Fittipaldo speculates. What this really suggests is that the Steelers have a valuable asset on their hands, and the market is ripe for a deal.
It’s true that reports indicate the Steelers intend to keep all three outside linebackers. However, as Fittipaldo also noted, the edge rusher market has been incredibly unpredictable this offseason. This unpredictability is exactly what makes the Highsmith situation so compelling. Could General Manager Omar Khan have another "summer surprise" up his sleeve? It's a question that keeps the speculation alive and the fans engaged. What I find especially interesting is the interplay between financial strategy, player performance, and the unpredictable nature of the NFL trade market. It's a complex puzzle, and the Steelers' next move will be fascinating to watch unfold.
