4 Steelers heading into a make-or-break season in 2022

Steelers EDGE Alex Highsmith

Alex Highsmith has not been a bad football player by any stretch of the imagination. He has proven to be a respectable complement across from one of the NFL’s best defenders in T.J. Watt, and he came on strong late in the 2021 season.

However, the Steelers may not be totally convinced that he is the guy they want starting on defense long-term. While Highsmith impressed at times, he was only considered average among NFL starters, and some questioned if his production was the result of playing on a defensive line that include two All-Pro players.

While I have no doubt that the coaching staff loves Highsmith’s motor and work ethic, perhaps they view the right edge defender position as one that could stand to be upgraded in the future.

Alex Highsmith embodies what it means to be a Pittsburgh Steeler, but this is a position the team has historically held to a very high standard. He will need to take another step forward in 2022 if he wants to show the team that he could be the long-term option across from T.J. Watt, rather than a player who should be a rotational edge defender.

Pittsburgh’s future could look bright, but much of that depends on the progress that these four players must make in 2022. Next year will be a make-or-break season for this group.