What can we get in a trade for Highsmith?

On trading Alex Highsmith: What can we realistically get in return? I don’t see anything better than a 3rd-round pick. Teams around the league know you can’t carry three highly paid players at the same position, so the Steelers may have to settle for even less. If you’re buying that convenient “illness” excuse that surfaced right after Nick Herbig’s massive contract, I’ve got some prime Pittsburgh bridges for sale.

Khan, work those phones. And do call the Browns twice. The just traded away the best player / edge rusher. Some team will take him and his cap#... I hope.

 

I'm hoping for another Highsmith trade thread or 2.

 

I looked and looked and looked

Although it is easy to tell when mom gives Joel iPad time

 

https://steelersdepot.com/2026/06/a...-signaling-no-issue-between-him-and-steelers/

It is almost like all the Twitter speculation on this issue was conducted by people who don't have a clue what they are talking about. But we know that the internet is full of geniuses so that can't be it. Must've just been a hiccup.

In all seriousness "...can't afford..." is a bit of stretch. This isn't some unexpected medical bill that insurance refused to pay and now the Steelers are stuck with it and have to sell the project car in the garage or take out a reverse mortgage or something. This is a contract deal that the team approached the player about. The Steelers asked to spend this money.

I am just going to go ahead and assume (maybe a bad idea) that the team was aware of all of the implications of spending this money and did not select the path labelled "Sign Herbig and panic trade Highsmith" as their Summer 2026 option.