Pittsburgh Steelers Make Major Contract Move With Star Defender

The Pittsburgh Steelers have restructured the contract of linebacker Alex Highsmith, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL media.

In doing so, the Steelers have created $7 million in cap room.

Highsmith is coming off of a 2023 campaign in which he played every game and registered 57 tackles, seven sacks, a couple of interceptions, a pair of forced fumbles and a defensive touchdown.

The 26-year-old, who played his collegiate football at the University of Charlotte, was selected by Pittsburgh in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

He appeared in every contest during his rookie year, finishing with 48 tackles, two sacks and a pick. The following season, Highsmith participated in 16 games, recording 74 tackles, six sacks and a forced fumble as his role grew.

Then, in 2022, Highsmith broke out, racking up 63 tackles, 14.5 sacks and five forced fumbles.

Highsmith has only missed one game in his NFL career and is an integral part of a Steelers defense that led the team to 10 wins and a playoff berth in 2023.

Along with T.J. Watt, Highsmith helps comprise one of the league’s most lethal pass-rushing duos.

While the Steelers are regular postseason contenders and have not posted a losing campaign since 2003, they have not had a whole lot of playoff success in recent years.

Pittsburgh has not won a playoff game since January 2017, most recently falling to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round this past year.

We’ll see if the Steelers can finally get back over the hump next season.