If the Philadelphia Eagles are smart, they’ll get on the phone and inquire about a Pittsburgh Steelers veteran who appears to be a trade candidate.
That NFL veteran is edge rusher Alex Highsmith.
Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports reports that Highsmith is a trade candidate because of the ascension of Nick Herbig.
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“But with Herbig waiting in the wings and having been very productive while rotating with Highsmith and T.J. Watt, the Steelers are expected to take some calls on Highsmith if the phone rings,” Robinson wrote.
A 2023 fourth-round pick, Herbig has proven himself to be a valuable rotational EDGE after tallying 5.5 and 7.5 sacks the past two years.
As a result, Herbig deserves a bigger role, and the Steelers might view Highsmith as expendable for the right price.
Why Eagles need Alex Highsmith
Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio walks onto the field before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Take one look at the Eagles’ depth chart at edge rusher and it’s not hard to see why Philly needs Highsmith.
The Eagles lost Jaelan Phillips to the Carolina Panthers in free agency and it remains unclear if Brandon Graham will be back.
Even if Graham comes back, he’s hardly an adequate solution at his age. Philly would still need at least one more edge rusher.
Highsmith would qualify as such.
His injury history over the past two years is troubling, but Highsmith has posted 15.5 sacks over his last 24 games.
Despite missing four games last season, Highsmith posted 9.5 sacks, which would have been tops on the Eagles.
Prior to missing 11 games the last two campaigns, Highsmith only missed two combined in the previous four.
What a Highsmith trade could cost
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (0) gets wrapped up for a tackle by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and defensive back Chuck Clark (21) during the second half at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on October 26, 2025. Credit: Michael Longo / For USA Today Network
Highsmith is a productive edge rusher who still has two years left on his deal, so he won’t come cheap.
Figure it’s going to take at least a third-round pick, and Philly might have to swap another selection with Pittsburgh on top of that.
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The Eagles have the draft capital to do that, with two third-rounders this year and one in each of the next two years.
With Super Bowl aspirations once again in 2026, Howie Roseman needs to pull the trigger on a deal to bolster what is a major weakness.