Alex Highsmith quickly got an education in the business of the NFL as a rookie in 2020. The Steelers had two high-profile contract negotiations that offseason.
They placed the franchise tag on outside linebacker Bud Dupree in March and had a four-month window to work out a long-term contract. All-Pro defensive end Cam Heyward also was entering the final year of his contract.
The four-month franchise window for Dupree came and went, and he played the 2020 season under the terms of the tag while the Steelers took it up to a few days before the season before they re-signed Heyward to a new deal.
