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The Pittsburgh Steelers have secured star pass-rusher Alex Highsmith for the long term, signing him to a four-year, $68 million extension, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
The 25-year old Highsmith made a significant impact during the previous season, leaving an indelible mark on the league. Standing tall at 6’4″ and weighing 242 pounds, the pass-rusher demonstrated his prowess with an impressive 14.5 sacks, establishing himself as a dominant force on the field.
His disruptive skills were evident as he led the entire league with five forced fumbles, consistently thwarting opposing offenses.
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’s journey to this lucrative extension began when the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted him in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, plucking him from the University of Charlotte. Since then, he has proven himself to be an integral part of the team’s defensive lineup.
Over the course of his 49-game career, Highsmith has accumulated an impressive 22.5 sacks, along with 185 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, and 41 quarterback hits.
Even before making it to the NFL, Highsmith’s college career was marked by excellence. His final year at Charlotte showcased his exceptional talent, amassing an impressive 15 sacks, foreshadowing the greatness he would bring to the professional level.
With this substantial extension, the Steelers are sending a clear message that they see Highsmith as a cornerstone of their defense for years to come.