How Alex Highsmith's New Contract Impacts Steelers' 2024 NFL Draft Plans

The Steelers have filled what could have been a huge need looking ahead to next offseason.

Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a long history of drafting and developing talent from the middle rounds of the NFL Draft, and keeping those players with long-term contracts just like the one they signed Wednesday with outside linebacker Alex Highsmith.

Highsmith, who broke out last season with 14.5 sacks while playing opposite T.J. Watt, has a new five-year deal that replaces the final year of his current rookie deal and tacks on four more years for up to $68 million.

Watt is already locked up with a massive deal, but with Highsmith potentially headed for free agency after this season, the possibility of his departure was looming large over the Steelers' potential approach to next year's draft.

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

After a stellar 2023 draft, the Steelers don't have many glaring needs on the roster, and without an extension for Highsmith, finding another pass rusher to pair with Watt was likely to be atop their list of priorities for next year's first-round pick. Instead, Watt and Highsmith will be set in stone as their edge-rushing starters for the next few years, which will free up Pittsburgh to address other areas with their early picks.

Quality depth behind Watt and Highsmith should still be a priority next offseason, but now the Steelers can look for value in the middle and later rounds (as well as free agency) instead of feeling forced into finding Highsmith's replacement at the top of the draft.