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Alex Highsmith

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Herbig’s $100M Deal Tests Steelers’ Plan for Watt and Highsmith
sports1 month ago

Herbig’s $100M Deal Tests Steelers’ Plan for Watt and Highsmith

Nick Herbig’s four-year, $100 million extension signals the Steelers view him as a core piece and raises questions about the futures of T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, who signed large extensions earlier; Watt (three-year, $123 million in 2025, about $41 million per year) and Highsmith (four-year, $68 million, $17 million APY) could all coexist for a year, or the Steelers could trade one to manage cap hits: trading Watt would save about $32 million guaranteed in 2026 and incur cap charges of $10 million in 2026 and $20 million in 2027; trading Highsmith would avoid $14.5 million in 2026 with cap hits of $5.6 million in 2026 and 2027. The Herbig deal could prompt other teams to bid for Watt or Highsmith, given the high demand for pass rushers.

Steelers lock in Herbig with five-year, $103.7M extension
sports1 month ago

Steelers lock in Herbig with five-year, $103.7M extension

Nick Herbig signed a five-year, $103.67 million extension with $42 million guaranteed, placing him among the NFL’s top-paid edge rushers and boosting the Steelers’ trio of edge players (Watt, Highsmith and Herbig) to about $304 million in combined salaries. A 2023 fourth-round pick, Herbig has 16 career sacks and 32 QB hits and has emerged as a disruptive pass rusher behind Watt and Highsmith; he says he wants to be a Steeler for life. Steelers officials say the deal won’t impact ongoing talks with cornerback Joey Porter Jr., and coach Mike McCarthy emphasizes it’s a business decision while praising Herbig’s commitment.

sports1 month ago

Steelers Weigh Nick Herbig Extension Amid Cap and Role Questions

The Steelers reportedly consider Nick Herbig a high-priority extension behind Joey Porter Jr., but the deal hinges on whether Herbig signs now or waits for free agency. With T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith already paid top dollar, Pittsburgh must balance a potential near-$16M APY for Herbig against cap realities, possible trades, and the risk of losing him if he walks as Watt turns 32 and Highsmith 30, all while Herbig would still be backing up two veteran edge rushers who are under contract near 2027.

sports5 months ago

New Era, Yinzer Roots: McCarthy Takes Steelers Helm

The Pittsburgh Steelers replaced long-time coach Mike Tomlin with Mike McCarthy, whose Pittsburgh roots and proven coaching pedigree drew excitement from players like Alex Highsmith. McCarthy’s introductory moments highlighted his passion for the city and the Steelers, while fans and players acknowledge the challenge of fixing the quarterback position. The early sentiment is positive, but the real work begins on the field as the McCarthy era starts.

Steelers' George Pickens sidelined for Week 14 clash with Browns
sports1 year ago

Steelers' George Pickens sidelined for Week 14 clash with Browns

The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced their inactives for the Week 14 game against the Cleveland Browns, which includes wide receiver George Pickens due to a hamstring injury. However, the team welcomes back outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, who returns after missing three games with an ankle injury. Highsmith's return is expected to bolster the Steelers' defense, providing depth and allowing key players like T.J. Watt to rest more during games. Coach Mike Tomlin and Browns offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey both acknowledge the impact Highsmith can have on the game.

Steelers' Highsmith Set to Return Against Browns
sports1 year ago

Steelers' Highsmith Set to Return Against Browns

Steelers pass rusher Alex Highsmith is expected to return for Sunday's game against the Browns after missing three games due to injury, according to coach Mike Tomlin. Highsmith had been performing well before his absence, with notable stats against the Giants. However, the Steelers may be without wide receiver Calvin Austin III, who is in concussion protocol after a hit in the game against the Bengals.

Preston Smith's Impact: From Packers to Steelers Breakout
sports1 year ago

Preston Smith's Impact: From Packers to Steelers Breakout

Preston Smith made a solid debut for the Pittsburgh Steelers, playing 21 snaps against the Washington Commanders. With Alex Highsmith injured, Smith's role is crucial in the upcoming games. He showed versatility by playing both outside linebacker positions and even lined up as a defensive tackle. While his pass rush was more power-oriented, he demonstrated good rush integrity and hustle, including a touchdown-saving tackle. Although credited with a sack, it wasn't a standout moment. Overall, Smith's performance was steady, and he will be key in the Steelers' defense moving forward.

Steelers' Highsmith sidelined with ankle injury, Herbig to return vs. Ravens
sports1 year ago

Steelers' Highsmith sidelined with ankle injury, Herbig to return vs. Ravens

Pittsburgh Steelers' outside linebacker Alex Highsmith will miss the upcoming divisional game against the Baltimore Ravens due to a low ankle sprain sustained in a recent win over the Washington Commanders. Highsmith is expected to be out for two to three weeks. In his absence, the Steelers will rely on Preston Smith, recently acquired from the Green Bay Packers, and Nick Herbig, returning from a hamstring injury. The Steelers face a challenging matchup against a high-performing Ravens offense led by Lamar Jackson.

Steelers' T.J. Watt Cleared to Play Against Colts After Concussion Scare
sports2 years ago

Steelers' T.J. Watt Cleared to Play Against Colts After Concussion Scare

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith has been cleared from concussion protocol and will play against the Indianapolis Colts. Highsmith, who initially suffered a neck injury, practiced fully on Thursday and has been upgraded to not having a game status. The NFL and NFLPA are reviewing T.J. Watt's situation, while Highsmith's clearance is straightforward. The Steelers will be without quarterback Kenny Pickett, who is recovering from ankle surgery, and Isaac Seumalo is questionable with a shoulder injury.

Steelers' T.J. Watt Cleared to Play, Injury News for Colts Week
sports2 years ago

Steelers' T.J. Watt Cleared to Play, Injury News for Colts Week

Pittsburgh Steelers pass-rusher Alex Highsmith has cleared the concussion protocol and is expected to play against the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, joining teammate T.J. Watt who cleared the protocol the previous night. Both players sustained concussions in the Steelers' loss to the New England Patriots, with Watt returning to the game after a brief evaluation and Highsmith not finishing the game due to a neck injury. The NFL and NFLPA are reviewing the situation surrounding Watt's re-entry into the game and the use of a tinted visor and smelling salts.

Steelers' T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith in concussion protocol after Patriots loss
sports2 years ago

Steelers' T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith in concussion protocol after Patriots loss

Pittsburgh Steelers pass-rusher T.J. Watt has been placed in the concussion protocol after reporting symptoms following their loss to the New England Patriots. Watt was injured on the first play of the game when he was hit in the face by Ezekiel Elliott's knee. He returned to the field later in the first quarter but must be cleared by an independent neurologist before he can play again. Additionally, the Steelers' other starting pass-rusher, Alex Highsmith, is dealing with a neck injury.

sports2 years ago

"Spears Warns Rams: Don't Let Watt and Highsmith Make It Close"

Former NFL defensive end Marcus Spears warns the Los Angeles Rams not to let the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers be close in the end, highlighting the potential game-changing abilities of Steelers' pass-rushing duo T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Stafford's struggles under pressure and the Steelers' ability to generate pressure on the quarterback could spell trouble for the Rams. However, the Steelers' defense will need support from their secondary to effectively pressure Stafford.

sports2 years ago

Steelers' Injury Report: Pickett to Start, Highsmith Questionable, Five Ruled Out

The Pittsburgh Steelers have released their Friday injury report ahead of their game against the Baltimore Ravens. QB Kenny Pickett will start despite a left knee injury, while OLB Alex Highsmith is questionable with a groin injury. Five players have been ruled out: P Pressley Harvin III, OG James Daniels, OT Dan Moore Jr., DL DeMarvin Leal, and TE Pat Freiermuth. RB Najee Harris is limited but expected to play. The Steelers will face the Ravens on Sunday.