Behind the Steel Curtain
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been spending money over the last two days. Between edge rusher Nick Herbig and tight end Darnell Washington, Pittsburgh has given $142 million in total money across the two extensions, and it’s the Herbig deal that has many wondering what comes next for their group of edge rushers.
The Steelers are paying more money to that group that any other team in the NFL. T.J. Watt signed the richest non-quarterback deal in NFL history last summer, averaging $41 million per season (which has since been topped by several players). Additionally, Alex Highsmith is still under contract through the 2027 season. With Herbig’s extension kicking in next year, it does feel like at least one of the elder pass rushers’ days in Pittsburgh are numbered. However, any sort of trade likely won’t take place until 2027, per Ian Rapoport.
Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, Rapoport says he doesn’t foresee a trade involving T.J. Watt or Alex Highsmith this year.
“My sense this year is [they will do] nothing,” Rapoport said in regards to the Steelers potentially trading Watt or Highsmith. “I don’t get the sense Highsmith is going anywhere…T.J. Watt is not going anywhere this year. He is not. He is gonna play for the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
Watt is coming off a seven-sack season, tying the lowest total of his career in a full season. Highsmith had 9.5 sacks and tied his career high in tackles for loss with 15.
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