49ers should call Steelers about trade for $68 million pass rusher
A pair of Pittsburgh Steelers pass rushers may be available for trade, and the San Francisco 49ers should be at the front of the line.
The San Francisco 49ers find themselves in a precarious spot heading into Day 1 of the 2026 NFL draft. That spot may force them to explore the trade market in order to address their pass rushing need, and the Pittsburgh Steelers may be the team to call. According to Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson, the Steelers have a pair of pass rushers whose names are making the rounds as potential trade targets leading up to the NFL draft (h/t Steelers Depot ).
Via Yahoo Sports: Highsmith’s name, along with fellow edge Nick Herbig are definitely floating around front offices as the draft approaches, although it seems that any trade would be a one-but-not-both scenario, with Highsmith being the likelier candidate to get moved. Highsmith turns 29 in August and still has two years remaining for a total scheduled base salary of $30 million ($14. 5 in 2026 and $15.
5 in 2027). With a strong year in 2026, it’s expected he’ll try to get back to the negotiating table for an extension that resets his salary and gets him another two years of guaranteed money. But with Herbig waiting in the wings and having been very productive while rotating with Highsmith and T.
J. Watt , the Steelers are expected to take some calls on Highsmith if the phone rings. As one high-level personnel executive said, “I think they will trade one of them.