The world of NFL trades and contracts is a fascinating one, and today we're delving into a potential move that could shake up the Pittsburgh Steelers' roster. Ray Fittipaldo, a respected voice in Steelers coverage, has made an intriguing prediction: a trade involving Alex Highsmith before the 2026 season. This prediction raises a host of questions and insights, and I'm excited to explore them with you.
The Financial Angle
One of the key drivers behind this potential trade is the significant financial commitment the Steelers have made to their top three outside linebackers. With over $71 million in base salaries, it's a hefty investment, and Fittipaldo raises a valid point: is it feasible to maximize this investment with all three players on the roster? Personally, I think this is a crucial question, as it highlights the delicate balance between building a competitive team and managing the salary cap.
Trade Speculation
Fittipaldo's prediction is based on the idea that the Steelers might not be able to keep all three players, and he suggests that trading Highsmith now could yield better returns than waiting. This strategy is an interesting one, as it implies a proactive approach to roster management. If you take a step back and think about it, this move could be a smart way to ensure the team gets maximum value for a key asset.
The Fitzpatrick Trade: A Precedent?
What makes this particularly fascinating is the precedent set by the Steelers' trade of Minkah Fitzpatrick for Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith. This move, which caught many by surprise, demonstrated the team's willingness to make bold decisions when they believe it will benefit the team. Could we see a similar move with Highsmith? It's an intriguing possibility, especially given Highsmith's relatively attractive contract and his younger age compared to Watt.
The Value of Highsmith
Highsmith's value is an important consideration here. With a base salary of $14.5 million this year and $15.5 million next year, he's a valuable asset. He's also coming off a productive season, which further boosts his trade value. In my opinion, Highsmith is the prime trade piece in this scenario, and it will be interesting to see if the Steelers can capitalize on his market value.
The Edge Rusher Market
The edge rusher market is currently red-hot, as evidenced by the Cleveland Browns' trade of Myles Garrett. This market trend could work in the Steelers' favor if they decide to trade Highsmith. Fittipaldo suggests a second-round pick as a fair return, which is an optimistic but not unreasonable prediction given the current market conditions.
The Steelers' Plan
Despite the trade speculation, the Steelers have stated their intention to keep all three outside linebackers. However, as Jeremy Fowler notes, the EDGE market has been unpredictable. This uncertainty leaves room for potential surprises, and it will be fascinating to see if Omar Khan has another summer move up his sleeve.
Conclusion
The potential trade of Alex Highsmith is an exciting development for Steelers fans and NFL enthusiasts alike. It showcases the complex strategies and decisions that go into building a competitive team. While the Steelers' plan is to keep all three outside linebackers, the financial realities and market trends may lead to a different outcome. As we await the start of the 2026 season, this trade speculation adds an extra layer of intrigue to the Steelers' roster moves.
