All-Pro T.J. Watt, meanwhile, skipped the Steelers’ required minicamp in Pittsburgh in the hopes of signing a new deal prior to the 2025 campaign. Watt’s wish might have a significant impact on Alex Highsmith, the team’s second top pass rusher.
Given that Watt’s extension will likely put him among the highest-paid defenders in the league (roughly $30 million a year) and that important players like Highsmith already have a $18.6 million cap hit in 2025, the Steelers will need to make some important decisions regarding their defensive line budget.
Should the Lions try to trade for Highsmith in light of this? Let’s talk.
An Overview of Highsmith’s NFL Career to Date
Highsmith went from walk-on to third-team All-American after being selected in the third round (102nd overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Charlotte.
He started the last five of his 16 games as a rookie with the Steelers. He ended with six quarterback hits, 2.0, and 48 total tackles, five of which were for loss sacks and an interception.
By 2022, he had become a national sensation, with a career-high 14.5 sacks and led the league in five forced fumbles. That season, he finished with 15 quarterback hits and 15 TFLs and was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week.
In July 2023, Highsmith leveraged that breakthrough to secure a four-year, $68 million extension, of which more than $27 million was guaranteed.
Despite having a lower sack total (7.0) in 2023, he was still a menace because he hauled in two interceptions (one of which was returned 30 yards for a touchdown), three passes defended, and two forced fumbles. Despite missing six games overall because of injury in 2024, he ended with nine tackles for loss, 13 quarterback hits, 6.0 sacks, and a forced fumble.
His effectiveness under the hood is frequently overlooked; over a 37-game run since 2021, he has been among the top 12 defenders in sacks (24.5) and strip-sacks (7). Additionally, he has the uncommon ability to compete in special teams, run support, and coverage if necessary.
How much would it cost the Detroit Lions to acquire Alex Highsmith?
Highsmith, a 2026 free agent with more than 15 sacks, would give Detroit outstanding output without breaking the bank. In April 2024, Pittsburgh also changed his contract to turn his salary into a bonus, which freed up cap space and made him more tradeable.
We came up with the following trade proposal, which might persuade the Steelers to release him:
Alex Highsmith, a conditional fifth-round pick in 2026 who drops to the fourth round if he records fewer than 10.0 sacks in 2025, is acquired by Detroit.
Pittsburgh receives a 2026 second-round pick and a 2026 fifth-round selection.
Highsmith’s combination of power and turnover production would undoubtedly help Detroit’s defense. In addition to Hutchinson, who has been known to swat down a few passes himself, his ability to drop into coverage and defend throws (he has seven pass breakups since 2020) would offer another formidable chess piece.
It is estimated that Highsmith’s cap hit for 2025 will be around $18.6 million, with an increase to $20.1 million in 2026. Given the rise of Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer and Watt’s impending megadeal, it’s plausible that Pittsburgh might be open to trading Highsmith.
Pittsburgh may not be interested in selling Highsmith, but given their current circumstances with Watt, Detroit’s general manager Brad Holmes might want to give it a call and see.
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