The Pittsburgh Steelers just signed T.J. Watt to a massive contract extension. The deal keeps the star defensive player in Pittsburgh through the 2028 season. He signed a new three-year contract worth $123 million. It took a lot of negotiating and many rumors to reach an agreement. No trades were on the table, despite plenty of conjecture. Instead, as expected, Watt stays with the Steelers.
With a significant portion of cap space allocated to Watt's new contract, don't be surprised if it impacts the franchise's future plans.
The Steelers have invested heavily in their defense, which has faced considerable criticism over the years. Don't expect much change to happen for this season, but this upcoming offseason could see monumental changes once Watt's extension kicks in.
Alex Highsmith has been a terrific trooper in Pittsburgh, but his contract could become less desirable after this year. He hasn't been productive in recent years, and his cap charge could be used elsewhere. If Pittsburgh doesn't want to commit extra money to the outside linebacker position, they could trade Highsmith and turn towards Nick Herbig or Jack Sawyer to replace him.
Pittsburgh Steelers' contract extension with T.J. Watt could lead to Alex Highsmith leaving
There would be a lucrative trade market for Highsmith if the Steelers decided to move him.
Highsmith is a reliable player who isn't too costly for the type of production he brings. It would save Pittsburgh $8.89 million if they cut or traded him before June 1. If they wait to release or move him after June 1, they would save $14.5 million. That's a significant amount of money to invest in their offense.
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Watt and Highsmith remain one of the best pass-rushing duos in the NFL. Paying both edge rushers is something the team can afford if they wish, but it might not be best for business. In an offense-first league, the Steelers would be wise to redirect the money they're spending on Highsmith toward strengthening their offense. They must merge into the new era of football once and for all.
There must be a reason the Steelers drafted Sawyer in the recent draft beyond him simply being a great value at their pick.
They have Herbig in the wings, and both he and Sawyer could turn into starters in the NFL. Highsmith has been a reliable player on defense, but he hasn't shown himself to be a star player. His contract is starting to become less desirable to hold onto.
Highsmith will enter his sixth year with the Steelers. He has produced some solid campaigns before, but he hasn't progressed at the pace many hoped when he signed his massive extension. His contract runs through the 2027 campaign, which could be desirable on the trade market. Pittsburgh could consider moving the veteran edge rusher if he can't compile solid stats this year.