In the ever-shifting landscape of the NFL, where strategic moves and bold decisions reign supreme, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a crossroads. With a hefty financial commitment to their top three outside linebackers, the question looms large: is a trade involving Alex Highsmith on the horizon? The Steelers' current situation is a delicate balance of maximizing investments and navigating the unpredictable EDGE market. As the 2026 season approaches, the focus shifts to the potential trade of Highsmith, a prime asset with a base salary of just $14.5 million this year and $15.5 million next year. Highsmith's value is further emphasized by his three years of youth and a more productive season than his counterpart, Watt.
The EDGE market has been on fire, with the Cleveland Browns' blockbuster trade for Myles Garrett setting the tone. Highsmith, with his impressive sack total and three months of youth over Jonathan Greenard, is a hot commodity. The Steelers' commitment to keeping Watt, Highsmith, and Herbig for the 2026 season is clear, but the EDGE market's unpredictability adds an intriguing layer of complexity. Omar Khan, the Steelers' GM, is known for his bold moves, and the possibility of another summer surprise is not far-fetched.
Fittipaldo's prediction of a trade before the 2026 season is not merely a guess but a calculated insight. The Steelers' financial commitment to their top three outside linebackers is significant, and the potential trade of Highsmith could be a strategic move to maximize their investments. The EDGE market's current state, with high-profile trades and unpredictable dynamics, makes Highsmith a prime trade piece. The Steelers' intention to keep Watt, Highsmith, and Herbig is clear, but the EDGE market's unpredictability adds an intriguing layer of complexity.
In my opinion, the Steelers' decision to trade Highsmith now could be a strategic move to maximize their investments. The EDGE market's current state, with high-profile trades and unpredictable dynamics, makes Highsmith a prime trade piece. The Steelers' commitment to keeping Watt, Highsmith, and Herbig for the 2026 season is clear, but the EDGE market's unpredictability adds an intriguing layer of complexity. Omar Khan's bold moves and the Steelers' financial commitment to their top three outside linebackers make the potential trade of Highsmith a compelling scenario. The EDGE market's current state, with high-profile trades and unpredictable dynamics, makes Highsmith a prime trade piece. The Steelers' decision to trade Highsmith now could be a strategic move to maximize their investments and navigate the EDGE market's unpredictability.
