The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2026 NFL Draft looking to address positions such as wide receiver and offensive line. With 12 selections at their disposal, finding talent in the draft this year shouldn't be an issue.
But as we approach the draft, one consistent Steelers veteran continues to pop up as a potential trade candidate: outside linebacker Alex Highsmith.
Despite their strong group of edge rushers, Pittsburgh could soon have a dilemma on their hands—a 24-year-old Nick Herbig is entering a contract year. Not only is the young defender looking for a massive payday, but he has also made it clear to the organization that he would like a full-time role.
And trading Highsmith might be the perfect solution.
While the Steelers won't part with talented players easily, they might for the right trade package. Along with the Dallas Cowboys, the New England Patriots are one of the teams rumored to be in the hunt for an outside linebacker in Mike Vrabel's defense. Highsmith fits the bill.
The Pittsburgh Steelers wouldn't be able to refuse this enticing mock trade package from the New England Patriots
One suggested mock trade for Highsmith's services has been with the Cowboys. Pittsburgh could move up to pick No. 12 in the draft in exchange for pick No. 20 and Highsmith. It's possible that Dallas would want an additional mid-round pick in a hypothetical trade like this.
But the Patriots might be able to do one better for Pittsburgh.
In this Steelers-Patriots mock trade, I have the Patriots giving up their second-round pick (No. 63 overall) for Highsmith and a compensatory fourth-round pick (No. 135 overall). With a dozen selections at hand, it wouldn't mean much for Khan to part with a fourth-round comp pick, and fetching a second-rounder for Highsmith should be sweet enough for Khan to pull the trigger on a deal.
Not only would the Steelers have six selections in the top 100 to rebuild the roots of their roster, but this trade would also solve the Nick Herbig dilemma at outside linebacker, allowing the talented young player to emerge as a full-time starter.
Finding depth to replace Highsmith shouldn't be an issue. While the Steelers likely can't find a one-for-one swap at the position in the draft, they could spend one of their second or third-round picks to help replace Highsmith. This would give them youth at the position while saving money. If designated as a post-June 1 trade, the Steelers would free up $14.5 million in cap space, per Over the Cap.
Meanwhile, the Patriots made it to a Super Bowl berth last year, so they are in a position to strike while the iron is hot. Vrabel would likely rather have a proven-experienced player like Highsmith than roll the dice with a Day 2 rookie when they are in a Super Bowl window on Drake Maye's rookie contract. Additionally, Highsmith's affordable contract could make a potential trade all the more intriguing for the Patriots.
With just a soon-to-be 30-year-old Harold Landry and veteran Dre'Mont Jones as the only respectable options at the position, adding Highsmith would give the Patriots a massive boost at outside linebacker.
It's probably unlikely that Alex Highsmith gets traded before or during the 2026 NFL Draft, but this Steelers-Patriots mock trade package makes too much sense for either team to ignore.
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