​The Pittsburgh Steelers have spent years building their defense around waves of edge rushers, but that strength could soon force a roster decision. With Nick Herbig positioned for a larger role and Alex Highsmith approaching a contract crossroads, a proposed trade with the Green Bay Packers gives Pittsburgh fans something to consider.Bleacher Report suggested Green Bay send a Day 2 pick in the 2027 NFL draft to Pittsburgh for Highsmith. The fit starts with the Packers’ need at outside linebacker.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMicah Parsons will open the 2026 season on the PUP list while recovering from a torn ACL and meniscus damage. Green Bay also traded Rashan Gary to the Dallas Cowboys, leaving a defense with playoff expectations short on edge help.Highsmith would stabilize that group. He recorded 9.5 sacks, 50 tackles (15 TFLs), a forced fumble and 19 quarterback hits in 13 games during the 2025 season. He’ll turn 29 next month and has no guaranteed money remaining in the final two years of his contract, so Green Bay could use its $23.4 million in cap space to acquire him and negotiate a new deal.Pittsburgh’s side of the proposal became more believable after the Steelers gave Herbig a hefty extension. They didn’t make that investment to keep him behind Highsmith indefinitely, and trading Highsmith would clear a starting role without taking snaps away from T.J. Watt.The Steelers could turn a crowded position into meaningful draft capital. Pittsburgh already owns seven picks in 2027. Adding another second- or third-round selection would give general manager Omar Khan more flexibility than waiting for a compensatory pick in 2028, especially if Highsmith leaves after playing out his deal.This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers could cash in on Alex Highsmith before contract crunch