Getty
Pittsburgh edge rusher Alex Highsmith celebrates during a December 28, 2005 game against the Cleveland Browns
The Washington Commanders need a pass rusher to give their defense an advantage. An NFL writer believes that a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers could give them a game-changer. According to Jarrett Bailey of Behind the Steel Curtain, a Washington trade for outside linebacker Alex Highsmith makes sense.
“The Steelers are already loaded on picks in the Top 100 this year. And if you haven’t picked up on the theme here, they need to get as many picks as they can ahead of 2027 to get a potential franchise quarterback—which, yes, means I don’t believe they should take one in this year’s draft. Moving Highsmith clears the way for Nick Herbig to start and sign an extension and also frees up opportunities for Jack Sawyer.”
In order to acquire Highsmith, Bailey thinks Washington would need to send next year’s third and seventh rounds to the Steelers. In exchange, the Commanders would receive Highsmith and a sixth-rounder in this year’s draft.
With a subpar 2025 in their rearview, could the Commanders swing a deal that could place them in a position to make a playoff run?
GettyPittsburgh Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith during a November 9, 2025 game against the Los Angeles Chargers
Potential Highsmith Trade Nets Commanders a Key Piece
While Von Miller led the team with 9 sacks, several factors could dissuade the Commanders from bringing him back. First, Miller turns 37 on March 26. Additionally, general manager Adam Peters may choose to pay a pass rusher eight years younger, who is still under contract until the end of next season.
Highsmith not only plays the pass well as a rusher (45 sacks in six years), but can also drop back into coverage. During his career, the third-rounder out of Charlotte hasn’t allowed a touchdown in 55 targets (34 completions). On top of that, Highsmith loves to drive downhill against the run, using speed and arm length to break into the backfield.
GettyPittsburgh edge rush Alex Highsmith pressure Lamar Jackson during a January 4, 2026 game.
Low-Cost Trade Provides Long-Term Flexibility
17 edge rushers make more during the life of their current contracts than Highsmith. With the market trending upwards, a pass rusher who can tally near double-digit sacks for the next two seasons while making less than half of what elite players do could intrigue the Commanders.
Plus, with the seventh pick in the draft, the Commanders probably won’t need to draft an edge early. Instead, they could address issues with the secondary or the wide receiver. By the same token, new defensive coordinator Daronte Lee is a disciple of Brian Flores. Flores’ claim to fame started in the defensive backfield. Trading for an established pass rusher allows Lee to maintain his focus on the back end.
Highsmith’s pressure, in Pittsburgh, forced the quarterback away from him and into the hands of defenders Cam Heyward and TJ Watt. In Washington, Jer’Zhan Newton and Daron Payne could benefit from Highsmith’s efforts.
In the NFC East, three mobile quarterbacks are on the roster. Each relishes the opportunity to expand the pocket and move around. The Commanders could choose to provide a two-year fix rather than relying on a draft pick to take time to get up to speed. If Bailey’s assertion is correct and that is Pittsburgh’s asking price, should the Commanders make the move?
Terrance Biggs Terrance started at heavy.com in January 2026
He is a veteran sportswriter with 12 years of experience, covering NFL, College, and MLB. Terrance has held positions at Sports Illustrated and Pro Football Sports Network. A graduate of Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s in Communication, he is also a voting member of the Football Writers Association of America, United States Basketball Writers Association and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. More about Terrance Biggs
More Heavy on Commanders
Loading more stories