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The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a rather eventful offseason in 2026. They began awarding extensions to the 2023 draft class, giving Nick Herbig a four-year, $100 million deal and Darnell Washington inked a a four-year, $42 million contract. Washington proved to be one of the team's most important players in 2026, being their driving force in the run game and a security blanket through the air. Both players were certainly worthy candidates for extensions, but Herbig's deal may cause some controversy in the locker room. Herbig has been a career backup with injury problems, and now he has the second-biggest contract in the edge rusher room.
In 2023, Alex Highsmith signed a four-year, $68 million extension coming off a 14.5-sack season. That deal today looks like a complete steal, being just the 25th highest-paid edge rusher. Now that Herbig has received his new extension, the team has a $100 million backup. Highsmith has proven his value to the organization, having 9.5 sacks and leading the defense to a late-season surge. Though in 2027, he will only be the third-highest-paid player at his position despite being a starter.
There are no public indications that Highsmith is disgruntled about Herbig's payday, but he did miss practice the day after with what the team called an illness, but there is still a strong reason to speculate that he is not happy with his current contract. A team insider believes Highsmith could potentially pull an unexpected move at training camp and force the Steelers' hand.
Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently appeared on an episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, where he discussed Highsmith's contract situation. Fittipaldo believes Highsmith could follow in Cam Heyward's footsteps and participate in a hold-in for a pay raise.
"I don't know this; I'm just speculating; but, would anyone be surprised if Alex Highsmith showed up and didn't practice, just to prove a point? Right, like, hey, Nick Herbig is making $21 million a year, I'm making 14 and I'm a starter," Fittipaldo stated. "I wouldn't be surprised if Highsmith did that, but I wouldn't expect the Steelers to cave either because Alex Highsmith has two years left on his contract and you just can't give in in every situation where a player is unhappy."
The Steelers have been known to give in to their players who want more than what's offered. Plenty of players had standoffs with the organization and got the money they wanted; now, Fittipaldo believes it wouldn't be surprising if Highsmith tried to do the same. Highsmith has always been a football-first guy, only caring about winning. If he decided to do a hold-in, it would change the narrative about him.
Now that Herbig signed his extension, Highsmith is now a piece that could be moved for draft capital. If he decides not to participate in practice and misses training camp, Omar Khan could trade him earlier than expected. The team is still expected to have all three edge rushers for the 2026 season, but it's still fair to assume Highsmith could sit out training camp to get more money.
Steelers Are Prepared Either Way
Fans will have to wait and see what Highsmith decides to do come July 28, but no matter the outcome, the team will be prepared. If the former Charlotte 49er is moved, Herbig would take his place, and Jack Sawyer would see a lot more snaps. Sawyer showed flashes in his very limited snaps as a rookie and is gearing up for a huge second season. The team still has TJ Watt, who may be on the decline, but is an effective player nonetheless.
No matter the outcome of the coming weeks, the Steelers have the talent in the edge rusher room to live without Highsmith. If he stays, they will have a monster three with Sawyer still as the fourth man.
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