It seems that the work is never done in the offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers. In what has been an unprecedented offseason in terms of moves, ESPN identified one final roster move the Steelers must make and it is one we absolutely agree with.
ESPN writer Field Yates believes the Steelers must extend outside linebacker Alex Highsmith before the start of the season. Here’s what Yates had to say about it.
T.J. Watt has established himself as one of the best players in the league, but let’s not overlook Highsmith’s impact in that linebacker room, too. He wreaks havoc opposite Watt. A career-year in 2022 (14.5 sacks) for Highsmith was a great way to lead into his first extension-eligible offseason, and Pittsburgh has a lengthy track record of drafting, developing and extending its own. Pegging the price for Highsmith is a little tricky — this offseason has been dominated by defensive tackle extensions, not edge rusher extensions — but I would think something in the $15-16 million per year range is a reasonable target.
We 100 percent agree the Steelers need to get a contract extension done with Highsmith and hopefully before the start of training camp. Highsmith is coming off of his best season as a pro and even if he doesn’t match 14.5 sacks this season, he will play well enough to cash in. Pittsburgh should be able to work out a fair extension for both sides this offseason that keeps the most dynamic pass-rushing tandem in the NFL together.
