Steelers Insider Estimates What A Possible Contract Extension For Alex Highsmith May Look Like

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been extremely active this offseason in adding new players to the team via free agency, as well as the 2023 NFL Draft. With the roster beginning to take more of a definitive shape, it may be possible that the focus for General Manager, Omar Khan is shifting more towards locking up players with a long-term contract extension. The most obvious player that is eligible for an extension this offseason is outside linebacker, Alex Highsmith. 

Highsmith is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and is set to earn $2.74 million in 2023. During his three seasons in Pittsburgh, the former third-round pick has registered 22.5 sacks, including a career-high 14.5 this past season. He did so without the help of his running mate at edge rusher, T.J. Watt for a majority of the games. 

There is no denying Highsmith has proven his worth as a perennial Pro Bowl-caliber player in this league and is well deserving of a new contract. With that being said, signing him to a long-term deal may be easier said than done as the team has already devoted an extensive amount of money to defensive stars such as Watt, Cam Heyward, and Minkah Fitzpatrick. 

While it is difficult to estimate what exactly a new contract for Highsmith would look like, Steelers' insider, Mark Kaboly, predicts his annual average salary may fall north of $15 million. With Watt already in the midst of his four-year, $112 million deal, a Highsmith extension would put the team in a tricky financial situation. 

Is Extending Highsmith A Worthy Investment For The Steelers?

Highsmith has improved his level of play each season, and has transformed himself in to one of the most effective pass rushers in the NFL. His impressive strength and quickness off the ball make him an ideal fit in the 3-4 defense of the Steelers. While a contract extension for his services would come with a hefty price tag, it may be a worthwhile investment for the Steelers. 

Apart from quarterback, there is perhaps no more important position in the NFL than pass rusher, especially when you consider how talented the AFC North is in terms of quarterback play. With a fully healthy Watt back in the fold in 2023, it is not crazy to think that Highsmith will have an even better season this year than in 2022. If the Steelers decide to table an extension with him until next offseason, it is entirely possible that he could command as much as $20 million in annual average salary. 

The Steelers' recent roster moves of releasing Ahkello Witherspoon and extending Mitch Trubisky have created additional cap space for the team to spend this offseason. Could this be in an effort to extend Highsmith? Certainly possible, but not definite. In all likelihood, if the team does choose to lock Highsmith up over the next few weeks, it would require a contract restructure from another player. Interestingly enough, it may be from Watt's contract. 

Highsmith's improved performance on the field combined with his high moral character off the field have made him a fan favorite over the past few years. While an extension for him this offseason would be costly, it may be possible that he has only scratched the surface of his potential as a pass rusher. If this is indeed the case, his new contract may end up being one of the best moves of this entire offseason for the Steelers. Do not be surprised if Khan works his magic once again and finds a way to make Highsmith a member of the Steelers' organization for the foreseeable future. 

Thoughts, Steeler Nation?

Do you believe a contract extension for Highsmtih is a good idea? Do you think he is worth upwards of $15 million a year? What are your stat predictions for him in 2023? Let us know in the comments! 

#SteelerNation