Steelers Rumors: Alex Highsmith deal, next Javon Hargrave, hype for newcomer

Steelers Rumors: Omar Kahn indicates clearly Alex Highsmith deal will get done

The next big contract extension that the Pittsburgh Steelers hand out is almost surely going to be to edge rusher Alex Highsmith. The 2020 third-round pick is entering the final year of his rookie deal and the discussion about locking him up so he never sniffs free agency has been ruminating throughout the organization all offseason.

Yet, no deal is in place. However, Steelers general manager Omar Khan was recently asked about the situation during an appearance with 93.7 The Fan. And while Khan wasn’t willing to divulge anything specific about talks with Highsmith, the tone of his comments appeared to make it clear that he and Pittsburgh have no intention of letting him leave and that a deal will get done.

"“We don’t like to talk specifically about an individual contract, but I’ll say this: He’s a Steeler,” Khan said, via Steelers Wire. “Since the day he got here, he’s been awesome. He gets better and better every year, and I really hope Alex is here for a long time.”"

After flashing in his first two seasons with the Steelers, Highsmith burst onto the scene in a bigger role in 2022, accruing 14.5 sacks and five forced fumbles on the year. Considering that he was a raw developmentlal prospect out of Charlotte, though, he’s been right on track in terms of what he’s given to the black and gold.

Many of the franchise’s offseason moves to clear salary cap room have seemingly been done with the future of Highsmith in mind and, with the way Khan is talking, fans shouldn’t be thinking about if the Steelers lock him up but, rather, when are they going to lock him up.