Latest news with #AlexHighsmith
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers OLB Alex Highsmith admits rotating spots with T.J. Watt is much-needed change
Steelers OLB Alex Highsmith admits rotating spots with T.J. Watt is much-needed change T.J. Watt may be absent from OTAs — but that hasn't stopped Alex Highsmith from hinting at what's to come for the dangerous Steelers OLB duo. Toward the end of the season, the Steelers defense became embarrassingly predictable — as Watt was practically made a non-factor from the LOLB position. At Steelers OTAs, Highsmith admitted that rotating spots with Watt will be key moving forward (courtesy of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette): "Yeah, I think [switching spots] is something we definitely got to include in the game, because, just like you said, teams were kind of catching on to what we were doing. If we're able to move around to different spots and stuff like that, we'll be able to get teams off balance — and they can't just sit there and max protect." In reference to playing on opposite sides of the defensive line, Highsmith clarified that it's important to "get comfortable with what you're uncomfortable at." For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
USA Today
27-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
WATCH: Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig lead Steelers LB drills at OTAs amid T.J. Watt absence
WATCH: Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig lead Steelers LB drills at OTAs amid T.J. Watt absence T.J. Watt was not in attendance for Day 1 of Steelers OTAs — leaving OLBs Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig to lead to charge in practice drills, as the former DPOY seeks a potential record-breaking extension with Pittsburgh. It's worth noting that OTAs are voluntary — but rumors suggest Watt could replicate his infamous 2021 'hold-in,' when he skipped team practices in a move that ultimately earned him a $112 million deal. Several analysts and insiders have predicted that Watt is looking to surpass Myles Garrett's historical four-year, $160 million extension with the Cleveland Browns — with an emphasis on beating out his $123.5 million in guaranteed money. With Watt skipping Day 1 of OTAs, and likely the remaining five practices from now until June 5, Highsmith and Herbig were captured on video leading the Steelers linebackers in practice drills — courtesy of The Athletic's Mike DeFabo, which fans can check out down below. Will the Steelers get a deal done with Watt soon — or will Highsmith and Herbig continue to help Pittsburgh prepare for life without the former Defensive Player of the Year?
Fox News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Steelers star linebacker says Aaron Rodgers free agency saga is not a 'distraction at all'
Aaron Rodgers remains a free agent, and the four-time MVP is still being tied to the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency rumors. Steelers star linebacker Alex Highsmith said that the Rodgers' rumors are not a distraction to the team. "I just feel like in the locker room and stuff, we're in there working, and I think that's just really what it's about at this point," Highsmith said during an appearance on NFL Network's "The Insiders" on Thursday. "I know that if he does sign, we're definitely going to be really excited to have him. We know who he is. He's a Hall-of-Fame quarterback. He's one of the best to ever do it. I wouldn't say it's a distraction at all, but we all know what type of quarterback he is and what he brings to the table." The Steelers last season went 10-7 with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields as their starting quarterbacks throughout the season. However, both Wilson and Fields departed in free agency. Fields left for the New York Jets and Wilson left for the New York Giants. The Steelers have three quarterbacks on their roster — Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson and sixth-round draft pick Will Howard. Highsmith is excited for whomever the team's quarterback is in Week 1. "I think we just try to put our best foot forward every day, like with who's in the building right now. I know Mason being there, he's done a great job. The guys are rallying around him and, like I said, he's been with us before and guys know him, Pittsburgh fans know him," Highsmith said. "The way that he helped us finish in 2023 was awesome. No matter who's back there for us, whether it's him or if Aaron Rodgers is gonna come, I'm just excited. Whoever's back there, we're gonna have their backs, and we're gonna rally behind them. Just excited for whoever it's gonna be." With the Jets last season, Rodgers threw for 3,987 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 17 games. It remains to be seen whether Rodgers decides to play in 2025 or retire after a 20-year career that is bound for Canton. Highsmith, in five seasons with the Steelers, has had 35.5 sacks in 77 career games and is a key cog in their defense. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Steelers star addresses Aaron Rodgers' long-winded saga and whether it's become a 'distraction'
Pittsburgh Steelers star Alex Highsmith has addressed the long-winded saga of the team's pursuit of Aaron Rodgers, as the quarterback remains unsigned with the season three months away. Rodgers was thought to be a hot commodity in the free-agent market a few months back, but the 41-year-old watched his contemporaries get contracts instead. While the decision on Rodgers may have been delated due to some close to the quarterback having cancer, the Steelers cannot wait around forever for the four-time MVP to commit to them. 'I just feel like in the locker room and stuff, we're in there working, and I think that's just really what it's about at this point,' Highsmith said on NFL Network. 'I know that if he does sign, we're definitely going to be really excited to have him.' 'We know who he is. He's a Hall-of-Fame quarterback. He's one of the best to ever do it. I wouldn't say it's a distraction at all, but we all know what type of quarterback he is and what he brings to the table.' The Steelers currently have Mason Rudolph and Will Howard at quarterback heading into 2025 in what may be the least talented quarterback room in the NFL. If either is chosen as the starter, the Steelers look to be not seriously thinking of winning a Super Bowl. While Rodgers would not be a long-term solution, for at least one year, he would present a better option with his experience, especially in a loaded AFC North. The firepower of Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow, as well as the interesting saga in Cleveland's quarterback room, would be matched with either Howard or Rudolph as things stand. 'I think we just try to put our best foot forward every day, like with who's in the building right now,' Highsmith added. 'I know Mason being there, he's done a great job. The guys are rallying around him and, like I said, he's been with us before and guys know him, Pittsburgh fans know him.' 'The way that he helped us finish in 2023 was awesome. No matter who's back there for us, whether it's him or if Aaron Rodgers is gonna come, I'm just excited. Whoever's back there, we're gonna have their backs and we're gonna rally behind them. Just excited for whoever it's gonna be.'
USA Today
23-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers OLB Alex Highsmith is 'confident' deal gets done with T.J. Watt
Steelers OLB Alex Highsmith is 'confident' deal gets done with T.J. Watt While Aaron Rodgers has been dominating headlines in Pittsburgh over the past few months — the close runner-up would without a doubt be T.J. Watt and his contract situation. Watt set loose a speculation frenzy when he posted a picture on social media of himself seemingly saying 'peace out' — and of course, analysts took this as bad news for the Steelers. On NFL Network's The Insiders, Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport took the opportunity to ask fellow Steelers OLB Alex Highsmith an assortment of hard-hitting questions — one of which was focused on Watt's extension and his future in the Steel City. Here is what Highsmith had to say on the issue at hand: 'I'm confident he's not going anywhere. He loves being in Pittsburgh and the city of Pittsburgh loves him. So I know they're going to do whatever they can to get a deal done.' Insider Ray Fittipaldo explained this past Tuesday that the Steelers would need to surpass the guaranteed money in Myles Garrett's $160 million extension with the Browns — but Highsmith's confidence speaks at volumes louder than any potential financial difficulty that may be coming Pittsburgh's way.
