Steelers Star on Borrowed Time: Final Stretch in Pittsburgh Looms Large
After losing four of their last six games, the Pittsburgh Steelers are underdogs just to make the playoffs at this point. Mike Tomlin is looking to snap his ugly streak of eight straight years without a playoff win, and if that doesn't happen, we could see some legitimate roster turnover during the 2026 offseason.
One player who could be entering his final stretch of games with the Steelers is Alex Highsmith. While the third-round pick in 2020 has grossly outplayed his original draft selection, there are reasons to believe he might not make it to the start of the 2026 season on Pittsburgh's roster.
After handing T.J. Watt a lucrative three-year, $123 million contract extension—which, at the time, made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history—the Steelers could be entering a bit of a financial bind. Watt's $41 million per season in average earnings per year, combined with Highsmith's $17 million per year APY, makes this an expensive pairing.
But it gets worse, and the Steelers might not be able to justify keeping Highsmith around after the 2025 season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could move on from Alex Highsmith with Nick Herbig in need of a massive contract extension
Highsmith's cap number jumps up to over $20 million in each of the final two years of his contract in 2026 and 2027, per Over The Cap. This means that Highsmith and Watt would combine for an egregious cap number north of $62 million over the next two years. For the right player, the Steelers could stomach this hit. But Highsmith might not be that guy.
While the former college walk-on at Charlotte has been tremendous in his role with the Steelers, he's been banged up frequently over the past two seasons. In 2024, Highsmith appeared in just 11 games, and he's missed multiple games this season.
However, the biggest reason for his potential departure in the offseason has less to do with Highsmith and more to do with Nick Herbig.
Herbig is an ascending edge rusher who just turned 24 years old. The former Wisconsin star can generate quick pressure better than any pass rusher on the team, and he's only scratching the surface of his potential.
Letting Herbig walk away after his rookie contract would be a colossal mistake by the front office. Considering Omar Khan and Andy Weidl hand-selected Herbig in the 2023 NFL Draft, they should be more apt to keep him around than Highsmith, a selection from former GM Kevin Colbert in 2020.
Herbig is a younger, fresher, and more talented pass rusher than Highsmith. However, he also needs a new contract, and keeping all three edge rushers on steep deals isn't reasonable.
To get Herbig signed to a new deal, the Steelers could look to trade Highsmith to a pass-rush-needy team. The veteran edge rusher turns 29 years old before the start of the 2026 season, but based on his quality resume, the Steelers might be able to fetch a late Day 2 pick for his services.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could find a way to make things work with all three of Highsmith, Watt, and Herbig for one more season. However, trading Highsmith during the 2026 offseason might make the most sense for a team on track to have 12 draft picks and looking for a fresh start.
Geno Smith Declares War on Doubters: ‘I’m Here to Lead, Not to Be Overlooked’
In a bold statement that’s sure to fire up fans and critics alike, Geno Smith has made it clear that he’s done being overlooked. The Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback, who has faced his fair share of doubters over the years, is ready to silence the noise and prove to everyone that he is more than capable of leading his team to success.
“I’m not here to be average — I’m here to lead. The doubters can keep talking, but when I’m on the field, you’ll see exactly what I’m capable of. I’ve worked too hard to be overlooked. This is my time, and I’m going to make the most of it,”
A New Mindset for Geno Smith
Smith’s statement is more than just a declaration — it’s a message to both his team and the entire NFL that he is ready to take charge. After years of being written off and criticized for his inconsistent performances, the 32-year-old veteran is determined to prove that he belongs at the top of his game.
In the past, Smith has often been viewed as a journeyman quarterback, bouncing between teams and struggling to find consistency in the starting role. However, after taking over as the Seahawks’ starting quarterback in 2022, he has shown flashes of brilliance, leading the team to the playoffs and earning a Pro Bowl selection.
But despite his success, critics have continued to question whether Smith can be a long-term solution for the Seahawks. With doubts still lingering, Smith is now embracing a new mindset — one that’s focused on leadership and proving his worth every time he steps onto the field.
A Leader on and off the Field
Smith’s confidence isn’t just about his physical abilities on the field. He understands that leadership is key to success in the NFL, and that’s a quality he’s ready to take full responsibility for. His approach is all about uplifting his teammates, creating an atmosphere of accountability, and leading by example.
Throughout his career, Smith has dealt with challenges, including injuries, team changes, and public criticism. Yet, he’s never shied away from taking the responsibility of leading a team. Now, with the support of a talented Seahawks roster, Smith is more determined than ever to show that he’s capable of leading them to victory.
“When I’m on the field, you’ll see exactly what I’m capable of,” Smith said. His focus is laser-sharp, and with the support of his teammates and coaches, he’s ready to take control and silence the doubters once and for all.
The Road Ahead
As the Seahawks enter the 2025 season, all eyes will be on Geno Smith to see if he can back up his bold words. The team has the potential to make a deep playoff run, with a solid defense, a strong receiving corps led by DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, and a promising run game. If Smith can continue to perform at a high level and provide steady leadership, the Seahawks could be a force to be reckoned with in the NFC.
For Geno Smith, this is more than just a season — it’s his opportunity to prove to everyone that he’s capable of being the leader Seattle needs. The road to redemption is long, but with his mindset firmly focused on the task at hand, Smith is ready to show the world that he’s here to lead, not to be overlooked.
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Smith’s words serve as a powerful reminder that athletes, especially in the NFL, are driven not just by their talent, but by the motivation to prove themselves — and Geno Smith is ready to do just that.
