Overview
- Multiple Sunday reports said Pittsburgh will listen to offers during the NFL Draft for an edge rusher, with Alex Highsmith labeled the likelier target than Nick Herbig.
- Highsmith has two years left on a four-year, $68 million extension with cap hits above $20 million in 2026 and 2027, which rivals view as a tradeable contract for a proven starter.
- Nick Herbig is younger, entering the final year of his rookie deal, and is viewed inside Pittsburgh as extension-worthy, even as GM Omar Khan has said you can’t have enough pass rushers.
- The Steelers hold a league-high 12 draft picks and have several roster needs, which helps explain a willingness to convert surplus at edge rusher into draft capital during the week.
- Analysts have flagged the 49ers, Eagles, and Cowboys as plausible callers and have floated prices around a Day 2 pick, noting Highsmith’s recent 9.5-sack season despite missed games; no trade has been reported.