The Pittsburgh Steelers had plenty to celebrate this week after locking up one of their defensive cornerstones for the foreseeable future. But just one day after announcing a lucrative extension for outside linebacker Nick Herbig, another key pass rusher was notably absent from mandatory minicamp.
According to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith was not present at Wednesday’s practice, the second of the team’s three-day mandatory minicamp.
The timing immediately
raises questions.
On Tuesday, Pittsburgh agreed to a four-year, $100 million extension with Herbig, ensuring the ascending pass rusher remains in black and gold through the 2029 season. The deal represents a significant investment in a player who has quickly become one of the league’s most promising young edge defenders.
Meanwhile, Highsmith is already under contract through the 2027 season after signing a four-year, $68 million extension in 2023. His deal carries an average annual value of $17 million, a figure that now looks modest compared to the rapidly growing edge rusher market.
While there has been no indication that Highsmith’s absence is contract-related, it’s difficult to ignore the optics. The veteran has been one of the NFL’s most productive complementary pass rushers opposite T.J. Watt, recording 35 sacks over the last four seasons while developing into a complete defender against both the run and pass.
Highsmith has consistently outperformed expectations since being selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and the market for elite edge defenders has exploded since he signed his extension. Herbig’s new deal only highlights how quickly values at the position have risen.
Of course, there could be any number of explanations for Highsmith’s absence. Players occasionally miss offseason practices for personal reasons, family matters, or other excused circumstances. The Steelers have not publicly indicated whether his absence is excused.
Still, until more information becomes available, speculation will naturally follow. Is Highsmith simply away from the team for reasons unrelated to football? Could he be seeking adjustments to his current contract? Or is his absence merely an unfortunate coincidence that happened to occur less than 24 hours after Herbig’s extension became official?
For now, the Steelers remain focused on preparing for the 2026 season with one of the league’s most talented pass-rushing groups. But Highsmith’s absence will be a storyline worth monitoring as minicamp continues.
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