Alex Highsmith

Alex is tied for FF with 5 as well

 

i had thought this was the year for him to turn it up, saw flashes last year.

he is entering yr 4, so , yes, he will get a big contract. With he and Watt at 100% next year, we ought to be a top 5 defense. we don't have limitless $$, as we all know....

 

True, but that's just the difference between getting hardly any doubles because of TJ vs. getting all of TJ's doubles because we didn't have anyone else. The fact that he still averaged a half sack a game when he was the guy getting all the attention shows a lot to me. He's no TJ Watt, but he still is a very good player. Better than Dupree imo.

I bet he prices himself out of Pitt unfortunately. Would love to keep him, but I think someone will be able to afford more than we can offer.

 

So next year we draft a second or third round OLB. This year we need a #3, not something we need to spend a top 4 draft choice on (unless someone falls in our lap).

 

I was thinking of replying with the same kind of reminder about his dip in production when Watt was out vs. being on the field, but then I though about how once Highsmith was Batman - who was his Robin to help him? A bunch of way below average nobodies that who. They could then key on Alex, so it makes sense his production was down.

I’m just glad we have two intensely good pass rushers again like some of the good ol days.

It just feels right. Like the universe is in order.

 

Shoot. I basically just said the same thing. Should have read all the posts before I chimed in like usually try to do. Restating points is boring. But it wasn’t plagiarism, I assure you.

 

I look for an extension for him and Sutton, hopefully it
won't break the bank for both of these.

 

I've been thinking about this as well. There has been nothing spoken..yet, but no doubt the man has outplayed his contract and wants paid. Will he come to camp and play, or possibly sit out? Not saying he will, but seeing so many around the league go down he has to at least have the thought about the millions on the line.

 

I believe you haha great minds think alike

 

Yeah that's possible. Allows us to be outbid on Highsmith and still have 2 quality guys if we get that pick right.

 

This. I was going to post the same, but figured I'd wait.

 

I believe until Watt is done...most Guys opposite of Him will do pretty well. I can't tell You how much on 3rd downs, and critical situation they double, and even double, and chip Watt. Don't believe Me go look at most (not all ) sacks by everyone else while Watts on the field, and then look at what's going on with Watt.

 

It's too bad that it's even a discussion if the Steelers can resign Highsmith. While I think the money these guys are making nowadays is just plain disgusting, I hate the salary cap. I don't understand why the players ever allowed it to come about.

 

Exactly. We need to be thankful that the NFLPA is a relatively weak union, at least compared to MLB.

 

Take a look at what Alvin the great is doing in Titans land

I want to see them extend Highsmith but I feel Sutton comes first. If they can't get a deal done with Highsmith he is under contact for the 23 season. The ol franchise tag can be used in 24 if needed.

 

Exactly it be Pittsburgh Pirates 2.0

 

Exactly....backing up what I said. He looked good across from Watt....again while Watt is at the top of His game....most players across from Him will look good.

 

The stats for highsmith and heyward with and without tj don't lie.

 

Agreed....also look at the turnover rate with Watt, and without.

 

Those of you predicting a big payday or teams throwing lots of money at him can you tells us which teams? Not that you are wrong I'd like to know who you see as suitors. We went through a similar discussion with Bud. People talked huge money and plenty of interest but never discussed the limiting factors.

 

Dupree broke down physically. He hasn't been the same since that torn ACL ended his final season as a Steeler.

Sutton plays a more difficult position to fill, but Highsmith is the better player.

 

That ignores that we haven't seen a healthy Dupree without Watt on the other side. Also, look at what happened to the defense late in 2020. Highsmith wasn't ready to take on that role when Dupree blew out his knee, so it was very easy for teams to load up on Watt and the pass rush suffered.

 

In other words.... Steelers = Pirates

 

I wouldn't go that far. Football has far more significant revenue sharing. A larger percentage of the league's revenues come from national television contracts. Attendance is a more significant factor in baseball, which is more regional.

More importantly, the Rooney family would at least try. Bob Nutting doesn't care about building a winner. He just cares about conning enough people into believing he will try that so they keep buying tickets.