Quarterback Aaron Rodgers' highly anticipated return stole the show on the first day of the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 organized team activities (OTAs). However, there are many fresh faces in the building, including new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who's seemingly already made a believer out of Alex Highsmith.
Highsmith spoke highly of his play-caller when addressing the media following the Steelers' opening spring practice of the upcoming campaign. The standout edge rusher is impressed with how quickly Graham's making a mark on their side of the ball — on and off the field.
While it's very early in their partnership, Highsmith's eager to learn from and play under Graham, who's replacing former defensive coordinator Teryl Austin.
"It's been awesome so far," Highsmith stated. "[Graham's] come in, and it's been awesome to get to know him, know his scheme. Obviously, there's things that are a little different [than they were with Austin], but football is football; it's just different terminologies ... I think a lot of guys are buying into his culture and what he does, so it's exciting. I'm just excited to continue working with him."
Alex Highsmith wastes no time praising Pittsburgh Steelers' new DC Patrick Graham
There's been an obvious shift in Pittsburgh after the club's longtime head coach, Mike Tomlin, decided to step down in January. His successor, Mike McCarthy, opted not to retain Austin, among many assistants. Change can be hard for everyone, yet hiring a savvy, seasoned, well-respected mind of Graham's stature can soften the blow, as Highsmith highlighted.
Graham has nearly two decades of NFL experience, holding various titles with several squads. The 47-year-old most notably oversaw dramatic improvements in the same role he's serving in Pittsburgh for the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants, respectively. His track record, adaptability, and bend-but-don't-break philosophy appear to have won over Highsmith and other members of the Steelers' locker room in short order.
It'll be fascinating to see how Highsmith's budding connection with the leader of Pittsburgh's stop impacts his outlook, if at all. He's been involved in trade chatter this offseason, though perhaps Graham has other plans.
Ankle and pectoral injuries limited Highsmith to 13 games in 2025, but he remained highly effective when healthy. The 2020 third-round pick posted 50 tackles (15 for loss), 9.5 sacks, three pass deflections, and a forced fumble. His efforts earned him a strong 82.9 overall Pro Football Focus grade, which ranked 13th out of 115 qualified edge defenders.
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