Steelers Are Hold In Free - For Now

The Pittsburgh Steelers are working on a deal, but it's not impacting their roster - for now.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are kicking off mini camp with plenty of expectations, players and positions to watch, and standards to meet during the final week before their month-long break prior to training camp. And for the first time in three years, they'll head into these last three days with a full roster. 

In working through contract extensions with T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Diontae Johnson the last two offseasons, the Steelers were at least one star short at all times during their mini camp week. This year, they're negotiating with Alex Highsmith, but the outside linebacker isn't ready to hold in - for now. 

For those who don't know, in Pittsburgh, holdouts are a bit different. In recent years, with Watt starting the trend, players in the midst of contract negotiations have been at practice but haven't participated. Instead, they've worked with position coaches during team drills to keep themselves distanced and avoid injury. 

Highsmith spoke with media prior to mini camp's first practice and said he plans to be on the field during the week. That being said if a deal isn't done before training camp, things can change.  

"That would be awesome," Highsmith said about getting a deal done before training camp. "We'll see what happens. I'm confident about where things are going. We'll see where things go. Right now, I want to just be able to focus on ball. That's why I'm going to keep working because I want to keep working and getting better." 

Highsmith has preached his confidence in getting a deal done with the Steelers. He's continued to work on the field and provide leadership for younger players like rookie Nick Herbig. 

It's not as much a conversation about whether or not he should be practicing and rather that he wants to because, entering his fourth season, he's not changing what's gotten him to this point. 

"For me, I've worked for everything I've got. That's just my mentality; I'll outwork everybody," Highsmith said. "Coming out of college, I've kind of kept that mentality with me, and I want to keep that mentality with me wherever I go."

For the first time in three years, the Steelers will finish phase two of their offseason program with a full roster. Watt, Fitzpatrick and Johnson all got deals done during their negotiation summers, and until proven otherwise, Highsmith believes he's next. 

"I'm still focused on the ball right now," Highsmith said. "I'm confident something's going to happen."

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