We have already given a rundown of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2022 free-agent class and we will dig more into which guys should be re-signed and which shouldn’t. But one of the top free-agent priorities for the Steelers this offseason might be deciding if outside linebacker Alex Highsmith should get a contract extension ahead of the 2023 season.
Highsmith had far and away his best season as a pro in 2022. His 14.5 sacks were a career-high and he was sixth-best in the NFL. Highsmith also had 63 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 20 quarterback hits.
In terms of what kind of contract Highsmith might be after, we look to New England Patriots pass rusher Matt Judon. Judon signed a four-year, $54.5 million contract with $32 million guaranteed. Highsmith might not quite be at that level yet but it would be a reasonable starting opponent from his camp.
One thing really works against Highsmith in any negotiations. Let’s call it the Watt effect. Of Highsmith’s 14.5 sacks, 11 of them came when T.J. Watt was playing. 10 games worth. In the seven games Watt missed? Highsmith only had 3.5 sacks. If you are Highsmith, you hang your hat on the fact you had a breakout season but it wasn’t without some qualifiers.
At this point the Steelers need to decide if this is a Bud Dupree situation or if can Highsmith actually be an elite edge rusher whether or not Watt is on the field. Let us know in the comments if you want to see the Steelers get Highsmtih an extension this offseason or wait and see.
