Alex Highsmith has spent the last six seasons proving his worth to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Since arriving as a third-round draft pick in 2020, the veteran outside linebacker has accumulated 48 career sacks, including 9.5 last season. He has consistently helped Pittsburgh maintain a formidable pass rush.
So why would Omar Khan consider trading him while Aaron Rodgers is trying to lead the franchise on one final championship run? According to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper, Pittsburgh’s front office could seek a player-for-player trade in exchange for Highsmith’s services.
A trade could provide immediate relief for position groups with significant holes on the roster. And Mike McCarthy cannot afford to let a lack of depth derail progress.
A thin secondary is one of Pittsburgh’s most concerning headaches. A trade with the Dallas Cowboys sent Joey Porter Jr. south in exchange for a 2028 second-round selection and a conditional 2027 sixth-round pick.
The decision left Patrick Graham’s defense without a bona fide top cornerback. But his group has done well to account for the massive loss. Entering Week 7, the Steelers have allowed 204.3 passing yards per contest (7th) and 6.6 yards per pass (13th). The results are far from flawless.
But they represent a secondary surpassing expectations.
Asante Samuel Jr., Daylen Everette, and Robert Spears-Jennings deserve credit for accepting vital roles and performing at a high level. They’ve held their own thus far and have plenty of room to grow.
Sure, the secondary is one rotational piece away from securing depth. But should adding a veteran ball-hawk justify sending off a reliable pass rusher? If so, Riq Woolen and Isaiah Pola-Mao are two defenders I’d personally invest in before the Nov. 10 deadline.
But that would not be a sensible trade-off.
The Pittsburgh Steelers cannot afford to trade Alex Highsmith before the NFL Trade Deadline
Acquiring defensive depth before the deadline could be difficult. If the Steelers are determined to improve by any means necessary, they may want to shift focus to rostering a reliable target for Aaron Rodgers.
Heading into Week 7, Roman Wilson (hand) and Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) are expected to miss multiple games due to an injured reserve designation. DK Metcalf and rookie Germie Bernard are working diligently to fill the void. They both recorded 11 receptions last week in a comeback overtime victory against the Buccaneers.
The effort is commendable, but not enough to sustain long-term success. Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington are also performing well in growing roles and assist when they can. Still, Mike McCarthy’s offense could benefit from adding wide receiver depth.
Chris Godwin Jr. is a veteran who could provide meaningful reps for Pittsburgh. He’s a physical runner with reliable hands and an expansive route tree. Injuries during the last two seasons could be a red flag, but the former third-round pick is motivated to prove time off hasn’t tempered his abilities. Since 2017, Godwin Jr has averaged 12.3 yards per reception and has scored 41 touchdowns.
If the 30-year-old Super Bowl champion seems like too much of a gamble, Brian Thomas Jr. (24) could be a necessary pivot. The former first-round selection is adept at creating separation from defenders while racing towards the end zone. Since 2024, Jacksonville’s explosive wideout has recorded 2,094 receiving yards on 144 receptions. He’s missed only three games throughout his career due to injury.
He’s also struggled to make a lasting impact for his team this season. Thomas Jr’s nine receptions on 19 targets for 105 receiving yards is not the production we're used to seeing.
Highsmith’s value extends beyond his career sack total. Through six weeks, he’s led Pittsburgh in quarterback pressures (20), according to Sumer Sports. Losing that production could disrupt a defensive front that has helped the Steelers compete. Nick Herbig has earned a larger role, but trading Highsmith would place additional pressure on the defense’s remaining edge rushers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers should want to trade before the deadline. Aaron Rodgers is performing better than expected during his final rodeo. And McCarthy’s unit is ahead of schedule. However, letting go of Highsmith seems like an aggressive move with little room for success. Sure, the edge rusher will gain attention from other franchises. But will the Steelers receive an equivalent exchange for an impactful player?
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