Pittsburgh Steelers Lock in Alex Highsmith with $68M Extension
The Pittsburgh Steelers announced on July 19, 2023, a significant 4-year, $68M extension for their pass-rusher, Alex Highsmith. Coming hot on the heels of a career-high 14.5 sack season, this signing takes place just a week ahead of the Steelers’ training camp kickoff.
This contract catapults Highsmith into the league’s most elite pass-rushers, positioning him in the top 10 of NFL’s edge rushers club. Now, rubbing shoulders with heavyweights like teammate T.J. Watt, Joey Bosa, and Myles Garrett, Highsmith is just the latest in a string of investments the Steelers have made to their defense in recent years.
Alex Highsmith himself couldn’t hide his exhilaration and gratitude. “I’m grateful to the Steelers for believing in me,” he expressed at the press conference following the signing. But Highsmith, the team-first player that he is, didn’t leave it at that. He immediately followed up with, “I’m ready to get to work and help the team win.”
Here’s a quick rundown of the NFL’s highest-paid edge rushers, an elite club that now includes Highsmith:
| Player | Team | Total Value | Avg./Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| TJ Watt | Steelers | $112M | $28M |
| Joey Bosa | Chargers | $135M | $27M |
| Myles Garrett | Browns | $125M | $25M |
| Khalil Mack | Chargers | $141M | $23.5M |
| Maxx Crosby | Raiders | $94M | $23.5M |
| Bradley Chubb | Dolphins | $110M | $22M |
| Von Miller | Bills | $120M | $20M |
| Cameron Jordan | Saints | $52.5M | $17.5M |
| Harold Landry | Titans | $87.5M | $17.5M |
| Alex Highsmith | Steelers | $68M | $17M |
With this most recent investment on the defensive side of the ball, the Steelers have sent a powerful message to the opposing offensive lines: Good luck protecting your QB. Highsmith’s new contract solidifies the fact that the Steelers are committed to retaining their young, dominant defenders.
