A man who has consistently delivered on the field, a player who signed a significant extension less than three years ago to remain in Pittsburgh, and a teammate who lines up opposite one of the most disruptive pass rushers in football -- Alex Highsmith was noticeably absent from the Steelers' practice field on Day 2 of their 2026 mandatory minicamp.
No injury was reported. No personal matter was disclosed by the Steelers' organization. Just an empty spot where the No. 56 outside linebacker normally commands attention.
This absence came roughly 18 hours after the Steelers announced a major contract extension for Nick Herbig, a third-year edge rusher whom the organization views as a cornerstone moving forward. Herbig's new four-year, $100 million deal, making him one of the highest-paid at his position, fundamentally changed the Steelers' salary structure and positional hierarchy on the defense.
Herbig is now poised to remain in Pittsburgh as a paid starter for the foreseeable future. Yet, the unspoken question inside the Steelers' facility is whether Highsmith will continue alongside him.
At 28 years old, Highsmith has anchored the Steelers' defense since being selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Known as the quiet yet effective complement to T.J. Watt--a future Hall of Famer--Highsmith has delivered consistent pressure, including a 9.5-sack season in 2023 and memorable playmaking such as a pick-six. His role allowed Watt to roam and create havoc unabated, forming a dynamic pass-rush duo.
Nonetheless, the NFL is a business driven by financials and playing time, not sentiment.
Nick Herbig, 23, has emerged as a cheaper, younger alternative with the upside to become a full-time starter. Although he has yet to start a full season, Herbig's 6 sacks in a rotational role during the 2025 campaign, combined with his explosive first step and bend, have forced opposing offenses to adjust blocking schemes specifically to contain him. The magnitude of his contract extension signals the Steelers view him as a foundational piece of their defense, which creates a challenging roster scenario for Highsmith.
Head coach Mike McCarthy addressed the defensive line's depth after practice Tuesday, emphasizing the strength of the group.
"The defensive line has a lot of depth," McCarthy said. "Cam Heyward still plays that at a high level. He's been a great mentor to the younger players."
McCarthy also stressed the critical role of having a steady rotation of edge rushers.
"You have to have the rushers... the ability to keep him in five, six rushers is important."
The "him" McCarthy referenced was Watt, the centerpiece of the Steelers' defensive front. By rotating effectively through a deep pool of edge rushers, the Steelers aim to keep Watt fresh and maintain relentless pressure, preventing offenses from neutralizing the pass rush with heavy protection.
On Pittsburgh's current roster, four edge rushers stand out as quality players worthy of starter consideration: Watt, Highsmith, Herbig, and rookie Jack Sawyer, a fourth-round pick from the 2026 draft. The team also benefits from the versatility of inside-out linebackers Carson Bruener and Malik Harrison, providing additional dimension.
However, talent often correlates with cost, and the Steelers face the challenge of managing significant salary commitments at the position.
Highsmith, under contract through the 2028 season after signing a four-year, $68 million extension prior to the 2024 campaign, was considered a team-friendly bargain at the time. However, the linebacker market has escalated rapidly in recent years due to contracts for elite players like Joey Bosa, Micah Parsons, and Myles Garrett. Highsmith's current deal now looks like an overpay if he is no longer an every-down player.
With Herbig now paid as a primary piece, one can reasonably speculate that Highsmith might perceive his role shrinking.
His absence from mandatory minicamp sends a message, whether intentional or not. Missing mandatory minicamp is a significant statement; the NFL imposes fines starting at about $16,000 for a player's first unexcused absence day, increasing with each additional missed day. While not trivial, the financial impact may be less severe than what Highsmith might face as a player whose role and future are uncertain.
No reports have surfaced indicating that Highsmith has formally requested a trade. Yet, the absence itself can function as leverage, signaling a desire for clarity and possibly a trade to a team where he could assume a featured role.
This situation echoes previous Steelers' patterns. The franchise has a history of developing edge rushers but often trading them before second contracts come due--Bud Dupree being a recent example, departing in 2021 free agency. Pittsburgh rarely awards third contracts to pass rushers unless they are generational talents. Highsmith could be an exception, or the next player moved in a deal that frees cap space and gains draft capital.
While the 2027 draft remains more than a year away, teams are always considering future assets. Should teams like Indianapolis or Washington, both in need of proven edge rushers, contact Steelers general manager Omar Khan with a package centered around a 2027 second-round pick, Pittsburgh will face a critical decision.
It is also important to consider that Highsmith's absence may not be contract-related. Players face personal challenges--whether family issues, legal matters, or health situations--that do not involve team dynamics. Nonetheless, the timing--less than a day after Herbig's blockbuster extension--raises questions that few inside the building are willing to discuss openly.
The Steelers have committed to not addressing Highsmith's absence publicly until the third day of minicamp when Coach McCarthy returns to the podium. Highsmith could return with a respectful explanation, resolving concerns and reaffirming his commitment. Alternatively, he might delay further, igniting speculation about the defensive unit's cohesion.
Ultimately, this story transcends attendance. It concerns whether Pittsburgh's defense can maintain its identity--a unit built on the suffocating presence of two elite outside linebackers--when one of its stars feels undervalued.
Veteran tight end Pat Freiermuth weighed in on the locker room mindset Tuesday.
"I take a division title in a home playoff game over some stats that people look back on," Freiermuth said. Though speaking about his own philosophy, the statement applies fittingly to Highsmith's situation. Football is fundamentally about winning. Having won the AFC North in 2025, the Steelers field a roster that appears primed to contend again. But that success depends on a defense that is disruptive, deep, and united.
Unity is difficult when one of the defense's most critical players is absent.
For now, Highsmith remains a Steeler. His locker bears his name, and his helmet remains in the equipment room. Yet a poker game has begun behind the scenes between player and front office, one whose stakes include the entire defensive identity of the 2026 Pittsburgh Steelers.
Only time will reveal if the chips fall in favor of keeping this core intact or reshaping the defense anew.