Rival Insider Exposed Steelers' Asking Price For Star Outside Linebacker Alex Highsmith

The Pittsburgh Steelers made waves last week when the organization got some extensions done with players from the 2023 draft class. Tight end Darnell Washington signed a new extension that made him the highest-paid blocking tight end in the NFL, and outside linebacker Nick Herbig also signed a new extension worth $100 million. The value of both deals shocked some people as Herbig got $42 million being guaranteed. He has come off the bench throughout his career, but the production has been there and he is very deserving of the contract.

The new deal for Herbig made some fans question the futures of Alex Highsmith and TJ Watt in Pittsburgh. They are both blocking Herbig from being a true starter, and they are both older. Highsmith's contract is more tradable of the two veteran outside linebackers, and it has been reported that he has drawn some trade interest from around the league. The teams interested in Highsmith seem to include the San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Commanders.

Grant Cohn, a beat writer covering the 49ers, recently spoke about a potential Highsmith trade on an episode of his podcast. He and his guest were speculating what a trade might cost for San Francisco, and he shared what he has heard the Steelers would want in a potential deal.

"What I'm hearing, they want a second-rounder for him," Cohn said.

Cohn is on the San Francisco beat, so it wouldn't be crazy to think that he has heard this directly from someone with the 49ers. This is kind of a steep asking price from Pittsburgh if it is actually what the franchise has been wanting in a deal. However, this shows how much the organization values Highsmith, and how little the Steelers actually want to trade him. Pittsburgh is in "win now" mode still, so trading Highsmith kind of goes against what the team is trying to accomplish.

Highsmith has struggled with some injuries throughout his career, but it has never been anything too serious. It is usually ankle-related or a soft tissue issue. He has always been productive and he is a big reason that Watt has been able to have so much success. He is also versatile. He plays the run well, and he has made some splashes while dropping back into coverage.

The outside linebacker recorded 9.5 sacks in 2025 to go along with a forced fumble and three pass breakups while playing in just 13 games. He led Pittsburgh in sacks, and he would have led San Francisco in sacks as well. His presence is felt on the edge, and acquiring him could make Nick Bosa's return to the field a little easier, who missed most of the 2025 season after tearing his ACL.

Steelers Shouldn't Pass Up On A Second-Round Pick

Pittsburgh should not really be looking to trade Highsmith, but if a team that is desperate for edge help, like the 49ers, reaches out and offers a second-round selection, the Steelers would have to consider it. San Francisco plays in a difficult division that includes the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks, and the 49ers also have to play a tough division in the AFC West during the 2026 season. This could be a season of regression for the 49ers, and if the Steelers have a chance to bring in one of their picks, General Manager Omar Khan has to take it.

A second-round pick in either of the next two years would be great for Pittsburgh as there is a chance the organization will be in the market for a quarterback, but Khan should do everything he can to get that pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. Even if the franchise doesn't want to go after a quarterback, the talent in that draft class is expected to be great.

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