Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker, Alex Highsmith is coming off a tremendous season, his best in his three years in the NFL. This has generated buzz over what the Steelers will do about his contract and now a former Steelers linebacker is weighing in.
ESPN
Highsmith's story is well known. He was a walk-on at University of North Carolina - Charlotte. During his time at UNC-C, he put in the hard work necessary, constantly improving and developing. He ended up being an integral part of the 49ers' defense, setting multiple records for the school.
A third round draft pick in 2020, Highsmith brought that same hunger to Pittsburgh. He had a breakout season in 2021 when he took over for Bud Dupree. He had 74 tackles, 6 sacks and a forced fumble. His performance helped ease the sting of losing Dupree.
It only got better in 2022. Highsmith ended the season with 14.5 sacks, ranked him sixth in the NFL. He tied for first place with five forced fumbles. He did most of this without having TJ Watt across from him absorbing some of the heat.
While Highsmith's stats have improved each year he was in the NFL, he excels in categories that cannot be measured - grit, heart and determination.
What Kind Of Value Does Highsmith Bring To The Steelers?
Highsmith's journey has put him in a strong position to be able to bargain for his spot on any team, including the Steelers. Pittsburgh is going to have to decide whether to extend Highsmith now and lock him in for another year, allow him to finish out his rookie contract through 2023 and then decide, or look to trade him this off-season.
Another former Steelers linebacker, Arthur Moats weighed in on the discussion about what Highsmith's value is right now if the team looked to trade him. On his show, The Arthur Moats Experience, the former member of the black and gold had this to say:
"I say third or second, high second best case scenario. They're still gonna have some questions in terms of his overall impact. Yes, he did have some very nice numbers in terms of his sack totals, but in terms of some of the play and play out stuff, that'll be some of the things that you would criticize in terms of is he worth a first-round draft pick."
It seems the Steelers would end up on the losing deal of this trade. Currently the Steelers have three very early draft picks for the first time in many years. It alleviates some of the pressure of needing to get rid of an up and coming, or in the case of Highsmith, already arrived player, to fill gaping holes.
While Moats might feel that Highsmith is not at "Khalil Mack level" yet, he is well on his way. Highsmith has received some unwarranted criticism for his play while Watt was out with his injury. What many of those critics fail to realize is that Highsmith was garnering all the double teaming attention that usually is placed on Watt.
Moats feels strongly that the new team, needing to sign Highsmith to a long-term contract, would not want to take a huge risk when this is already going to cost them money and he detailed some of the things other teams will use to lower his value:
"He had a dope season this year, especially when you talk about the sack totals. When you're talking about giving up a first-round pick, they nitpick all of that. They're gonna nitpick every little thing from Alex this past season and especially him not being a former first-round draft pick. Alex is still viewed more as an overachiever versus a dominate, elite, player that's league wide."
"When you look at how it's reflected in terms of accolades and recognition, they love pedigree, they love the wow factor, and for Alex, he doesn't always check that box. But that doesn't take away from how productive he is either. But when you're talking about the compensation and what his value is, all of that is in the equation."
Steelers.com
Pittsburgh Steelers Linebacker Alex Highsmith pre-snap against the Indianapolis Colts on December 27, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
As far as most fans are concerned, the whole NFL can keep snubbing Highsmith. We know what an absolute treasure of a player we have in him. His work ethic and positive attitude are something that Steeler fans admire and respect. Let's hope that he continues to grow and improve and does it while wearing black and gold.
What do you think of Moats' assessment of Highsmith's value? Would you trade him for a draft pick? What round would it have to be? Do you think the Steelers should extend him this off-season? Click to comment below.
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