BREAKING: Steelers secretly in talks to trade Alex Highsmith to a rival AFC contender before the offseason, signaling a major shake-up in Pittsburgh’s defense
The Pittsburgh Steelers were 4-1 at a point during the 2025 season, and fans were both happy and excited. After two consecutive losses, however, a lot of blame is being thrown in the direction of Mike Tomlin and his expensive defense. The main negative in the Steel City is that there remains no long-term answer at the quarterback position, and the defense that is supposed to carry the offense looks as inconsistent as ever.
A lot of changes may be coming in 2026 if the franchise continues to falter. Another one-and-done in the playoffs, or not making the postseason at all, could trigger a lot of turnover. One main issue with the Steelers' defense has been the inability to get to the quarterback. TJ Watt has not been himself, and Alex Highsmith has once again missed time due to injury.
Nick Herbig has made the most out of his opportunities, but for some reason, Tomlin and co. have given him fewer snaps in recent weeks. This doesn't make too much sense given the young defender's explosiveness.
With the trade deadline nearing and commencing on November 4th, it's plausible to believe that Pittsburgh will be in the market to make a move. No one is quite sure whether a wide receiver, safety, or both, could be in mind, but the organization isn't going to cave because of a couple of bad games and suddenly turn into sellers. The 2026 offseason, though, could be a different story.
Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette hosted a fan chat on Tuesday to discuss the state of the franchise. He denied that the team would look to shed some players for draft capital before, or at the deadline, but did bring up the possibility that a highly-compensated player could be competing for a different city sooner rather than later.
"I don't think they'll be sellers," Fittipaldo wrote. "But since you want to play the game, Highsmith is the obvious candidate over the offseason if they want to sign Herbig."
It can be expected that Herbig will receive some kind of extension based on his big-play ability. It will be hard to keep three pass rushers on the roster that are all being paid millions of dollars each season, and Highsmith could the odd man out. The Steelers would be able to get some decent compensation in the return, but Highsmith needs to prove for the remainder of the 2025 season that he can stay healthy. That has been an issue throughout his career.
It's a little confusing as to why Herbig hasn't played nearly as much since Highsmith returned from injury. All three edge rushers are talented, but Herbig is currently the quickest out of the trio. With opposing quarterbacks getting rid of the ball so quickly, it would make sense to have a turnover-machine like Herbig on the field more than just for 40% or so of the defensive snaps.
This will be a development to keep an eye on. While Highsmith isn't expected to go anywhere just yet, the minute the season ends for the Steelers could be the same one General Manager Omar Khan starts to put out some feelers.
Steelers Would Be Smart To Part Ways With Highsmith
Pittsburgh has a proven track record of properly drafting and developing edge rushers. If the duo of Watt and Herbig can hold down the fort while Jack Sawyer gets better, losing Highsmith would not be looked at as a huge loss, especially because of his massive contract. The organization could then draft a fourth individual to fill out the depth chart. Khan's 10+ selections in 2026 would make this rather easy.
Cowboys Urged to Trade for Steelers Hidden Gem Before Deadline
The Dallas Cowboys have been relatively quiet on the trade market after sending defensive cornerstone Micah Parsons to Green Bay ahead of the regular season.
Since that happened, unsurprisingly, their defense has been criticized often, with their pass rush in particular lacking. Through eight games, the Cowboys have managed 15 sacks, which is why some analysts believe Dallas could still add another edge before the trade deadline hits on November 4.
CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell had an interesting name as a possibility for Dallas: Nick Herbig of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher Nick Herbig has a 94.0 defensive grade from PFF since Week 4, the best in the NFL, via Fansided’s Marcus Mosher,” Podell wrote, adding:
“However, he appears to be on the outs with the Steelers’ coaching staff: Herbig’s 52 defensive snaps across the last two weeks are 14th among his Pittsburgh teammates. Incredibly odd considering he leads the Steelers in sacks with 4.5 this season, half a sack more than T.J. Watt’s 4.0. He is set to enter the final year of his rookie deal in 2026, but it could be worth the Cowboys picking up the phone to see what his price may be.”
A Closer Look at Herbig’s Game
GettyThe Dallas Cowboys should try to trade for Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig.
The 6-foot-2, 240-pound Steelers linebacker was a fourth-round pick in 2023 (No. 132 overall) after starring at Wisconsin, and he has shown steady growth since entering the league.
Across his three seasons, Herbig has been the third edge behind superstar T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Despite playing limited snaps, he has managed to become quite the disruptor.
Through six games in 2025, he has 13 career sacks, eight forced fumbles, one interception and 65 total tackles—matching or topping what many rotational rushers do in double the playing time. In 2024, he finished with 5.5 sacks and four passes defensed, then opened 2025 with 4.5 more sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception as his role grew on passing downs.
Even as a rookie in 2023, Herbig was one of the league’s most efficient pressure creators on a per-snap basis, a trend that carried into 2024 and 2025. His hot start this season — he had 20 pressures in his first four games — should absolutely intrigue Dallas.
Why the Dallas Cowboys Should Try to Trade for Steelers Edge Nick Herbig
Herbig would be a great piece for defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, whose defense emphasizes takeaways and sound tackling. Herbig’s knack for strip and hustle sacks would make him both a nice fit and an exciting addition.
The cost should also interest Dallas. Herbig is still on his rookie deal, which matters a great deal for a Cowboys roster currently juggling extensions elsewhere. Also, Pittsburgh has Watt and Highsmith entrenched, making Herbig — we won’t say expendable — but certainly worth checking in on if you’re Jerry Jones.
If he maintains anything close to his 2025 start, he’d be an immediate upgrade for a Cowboys defense that hasn’t played well or consistent all year.
He’s still only 23, which is another thing to love if you’re Dallas. That could make his price tag a bit higher, but considering his current usage in Pittsburgh, Herbig is definitely a player the Cowboys should be monitoring.
