As the NFL trade deadline approaches in less than two weeks, a Pittsburgh Steelers fan favorite has been rumored to be a trade candidate

Steelers veteran linebacker Alex Highsmith has drawn interest around the league. Teams from around the league have inquired about trading for Highsmith dating back to last year, but the Steelers have been uninterested in moving him.

But with a loaded position group that includes veteran T.J. Watt, and young players Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer as backups and in part-time roles, it makes sense that teams in need of a reliable edge rusher would be interested in Highsmith, especially with Watt turning back the clock and playing at an elite level. Highsmith, at 29, is still in his prime, and is due $8.861 million for the rest of this season, and is due $15.5 million in 2027 with no guarantees.

Highsmith was drafted by the Steelers 102nd overall in the 3rd round of the 2020 NFL Draft. In the 2022 season, Highsmith was the NFL co-leader for forced fumbles with 5, and to date he has 48 career sacks, 350 total tackles, 10 forced fumbles, 11 pass deflections, 3 interceptions, and one defensive touchdown.

The Steelers signed Highsmith to a 4-year extension in the 2023 offseason which at the time made him the 10th highest paid player at his position.

While Steelers fans would be upset to see him go, the NFL is a business, and with the Steelers investing $83 million combined into the group along with Watt playing at a high level once again after a down year last season, Highsmith might be the odd man out before the trade deadline arrives on November 10.