Steelers Sign Alex Highsmith To Massive Contract Extension
The Pittsburgh Steelers officially have their edge rusher tandem signed and locked up for the foreseeable future. Alex Highsmith has agreed to a massive contract extension with the Steelers. The former Charlotte product is coming off a breakout season where he posted 14.5 sacks and has been rewarded for his efforts.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network was the first to report the news:
Sources: The #Steelers and star pass-rusher Alex Highsmith have agreed to terms on a huge 4-year, $68M extension to pay him among the Top 10 highest paid edge rushers in the NFL. Coming off a career year with 14.5 sacks, Highsmith cashes in and PIT locks in a key player. pic.twitter.com/LnPsB14Jax
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 19, 2023
Highsmith has proven to be a gem and has filled in nicely since Bud Depree departed town. Highsmith’s 14.5 sacks were good enough for the 6th best mark in the NFL in 2022. If he’s your second best passer opposite of TJ Watt, you’re in pretty good shape there. Of course, Watt wasn’t healthy last year. If Watt does come through in the health department, this defense could be really scary with Highsmith coming into his own. When Watt returned in Week 10, Pittsburgh went 7-2 the rest of the way.
Highsmith, 25, was set to enter the final year of his contract so this deal will prevent him from hitting the market after this upcoming season. The price tag isn’t too crazy either. Highsmith has proven to be a massive hit coming from that 2020 NFL Draft class out of Charlotte.
Aside from the sack total, Highsmith also tallied 63 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 20 QB hits, and a league-high five forced fumbles in 2022. The longer you wait, the more you end up paying. This was a good piece of business by Omar Khan and the rest of the Steelers front office.
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