Steelers Insider Delivers Shocking Prediction That Alex Highsmith Could Be Forced Out By Rising Star Nick Herbig

The Pittsburgh Steelers boast a formidable defense, with Alex Highsmith emerging as one of its key stars. Highsmith has quickly become a fan favorite, forming a dynamic pass-rushing duo with superstar TJ Watt. While Highsmith and Watt anchor the defense, another rising talent, Nick Herbig, has shown flashes of game-wrecking potential.

Drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Herbig didn’t see much action in his rookie season, but when he did, he made the most of it. He delivered a standout moment in a crucial game by strip-sacking Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith and recovering the fumble, showcasing his immense potential.

Herbig has carried that momentum into an exciting 2024 preseason, and many are eager to see him take another leap this year. Despite a crowded linebacker room, Herbig is expected to find his way onto the field. In fact, Steelers insider Gerry Dulac has even made a shocking prediction: Herbig’s rise could eventually push Highsmith out of his starting role.

"Well I think they need to find a way to get this guy [Nick Herbig] on the field even more," Dulac said. "I think eventually he forces Alex Highsmith out."

It’s unlikely that Herbig will truly challenge Highsmith’s role anytime soon. However, Herbig’s emergence has made the Steelers coaching staff eager to carve out a bigger role for him. The rise of Herbig presents a good problem for the Steelers to have.

Highsmith has been a standout performer in his four years with the Steelers. While his rookie season was relatively quiet, he showed glimpses of his potential whenever given the opportunity. By his second season, Highsmith secured a consistent starting role and has since become a key force on the defense. 

Over his career, he has accumulated 29.5 sacks, 242 combined tackles, eight forced fumbles, three interceptions, and one touchdown. Despite his impressive production, Highsmith often flies under the radar, overshadowed by the presence of Watt.

Highsmith’s ability to impact games makes life difficult for opposing offenses. Teams can’t solely focus on Watt; they must account for Highsmith, who has proven to be a game-wrecker in his own right. 

The Steelers have recognized his value, signing him to an extension that keeps him in Pittsburgh through the 2027 season. Although Highsmith is set to become a free agent in 2028, Steelers insider Dulac believes that Herbig’s rapid rise could potentially push Highsmith out sooner.

At 27 years old, Highsmith is still in the prime of his career. Though his name has briefly surfaced in trade rumors as the Steelers search for a wide receiver, it’s clear that Pittsburgh isn’t eager to part with him. The Steelers understand the importance of Highsmith and don't want to move on from him anytime soon. 

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Hints That Nick Herbig Will Have More Opportunity In 2024

Dulac’s comments about Herbig underscore just how highly the organization views the young linebacker. As a respected insider with close ties to the team, Dulac’s insights reflect Herbig’s growing reputation. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin also praised Herbig after the preseason game against the Detroit Lions, emphasizing that Herbig will have an expanded role in 2024. Tomlin made it clear that giving Herbig more opportunities this season is a priority.

While it’s unlikely that Herbig will push Highsmith out of his role anytime soon, the situation is worth monitoring. The Steelers’ linebacker room is stacked, and it will be interesting to see how they plan to integrate Herbig into the rotation. Highsmith is one of the league’s top pass rushers, so displacing him would be a monumental task. However, Dulac’s sentiment highlights just how much potential the Steelers see in Herbig as a future star.

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