With Training Camp less than three weeks away, I’m going to examine a series of questions that fans seem to be discussing. The Pittsburgh Steelers, like every other team in the NFL, have interesting decisions and potential ones to consider. Today’s topic is the Outside Linebacker position.
What We Know
The Steelers will head to Latrobe with three guys at the same position being paid like starters. The only problem is that they are vying for two positions. This isn’t to say they can’t use T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig at the same time but that will be rare. Paying Herbig as much as they have, it seems unlikely that he remains the constant “third wheel” here.
What We Don’t Know
The division of labor during Camp will be interesting. You have two guys in Highsmith and Herbig who have a history of soft tissue injuries that have cost them games. You also have Watt, who will turn 32 years old this October. The number of pass rushers who have achieved double digit sacks at this age is limited.
Jack Sawyer is the fourth member of the group who is joined by International player Julius Welschof, Jamin Davis and Jacoby Windmon. Davis is a former first round pick who is trying to resurrect his career as an EDGE rusher moving from off-ball linebacker. Windmon is likely a “camp body” who will try to impress enough to get a Practice Squad spot. Sawyer is the odds on favorite to be the fourth OLB so do these other guys have a chance?
As for the Major Question
When Herbig signed his four-year $100 million extension fans and pundits wasted little time in wondering what this meant for Highsmith and Watt. Common sense suggests that because Herbig makes more than Highsmith, then he should be the starter. Others suggest that for 2026 anyway, that Patrick Graham will use a three-man rotation (with Sawyer used in some cases) in an effort to lessen the load and keep his pass rushers fresh.
Teams are going to reach out about Highsmith if they haven’t already. Between him and Watt, his contract is the most desirable in a trade and he’s younger. Herbig is obviously not going anywhere so no need to go there. One could argue that Highsmith was the best pass rusher on the squad in 2025. He led the team in sacks and was highest among his position mates in tackles. I tend to believe he’s going to be highly motivated too. Therefore…
How Does It Play Out?
I remain convinced that the Steelers will retain all three guys for this season. I say this because you aren’t moving Herbig, Watt’s contract isn’t impossible but difficult to trade right now and Highsmith is arguably your best pass rusher right now. So let me lay out where the “buts” enter the conversation though. First is how well the season is going for the Steelers.
If Watt and Highsmith are both healthy and playing well, but the Steelers’ record is less than stellar, then maybe a trade deadline deal gets done. Perhaps a team wants a guy that can rush the passer in an effort to clinch a playoff spot or secure home-field advantage.
If I’m the Steelers why not dump some salary and collect a draft pick or two at the same time? I’m of the opinion that this is the most likely scenario as to what happens with the outside linebacker position. It’s no secret Art Rooney II isn’t interested in “rebuilds.” He wants to compete every year and trading a top defender prior to the season doesn’t really align with that. That’s why I’m convinced they roll with all three and see how things go from there.
