The latest NFL trade rumor has linked Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith with the Green Bay Packers ahead of the 2026 season. While Pittsburgh is not actively shopping the veteran pass rusher, one NFL analyst believes Green Bay could be a logical destination if the Steelers eventually decide to make a blockbuster move. The Dallas Cowboys have also been mentioned as another potential landing spot should Highsmith become available later in the season.
Which teams are interested in Alex Highsmith?
The latest NFL trade rumour has connected Alex Highsmith with the Green Bay Packers. While no trade negotiations have been reported, Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton believes Green Bay could pursue the veteran edge rusher to strengthen its pass rush before or during the 2026 season.Anthony Palacios of Last Word on Sports also listed the Dallas Cowboys as another possible destination if Pittsburgh eventually decides to listen to offers. Dallas has continued to invest heavily in its defensive front, and adding a proven pass rusher like Highsmith could further strengthen the unit.
What are insiders saying about the NFL trade rumors ?
Moe Moton projected the Packers as a team that could benefit from acquiring Highsmith, suggesting Green Bay could offer future draft capital to complete a deal. Anthony Palacios expanded on the idea by proposing that Green Bay could even explore a package involving linebacker Lukas Van Ness instead of relying solely on draft picks. He also noted that if the Steelers struggle during the season, Highsmith could become a name to monitor before the trade deadline.Palacios added that the Cowboys would also make sense because they continue searching for reliable pass-rush help despite several offseason additions.
Contract details and implications
Alex Highsmith signed a four-year, $68 million contract extension with the Steelers in 2023. The deal included $27.74 million in total guarantees and keeps him under contract through the 2027 season. In 2026, Highsmith is scheduled to earn a base salary of $14.5 million while carrying a cap hit of $20.1 million.Because he remains under contract for multiple seasons, Pittsburgh has no immediate pressure to move him. Any trade would likely require significant draft compensation or an established player in return.
Why could the Packers or Cowboys make sense?
The Green Bay Packers have continued looking for ways to improve its defensive front despite several offseason additions. Highsmith would give the Packers another experienced edge rusher capable of consistently creating pressure and complementing the rest of the defense.The Dallas Cowboys have also invested heavily in rebuilding their pass rush. Although the Cowboys added several defenders through trades and the draft, Highsmith would provide proven production and playoff experience, making him an attractive option if the team looks for another impact defender during the season.Nothing has been reported beyond league speculation, and Highsmith remains a key part of Pittsburgh’s defense. However, if the Steelers’ season takes an unexpected turn, the Packers and Cowboys could become two of the teams worth watching before the NFL trade deadline.
