Deep at OLB Could Spark Trade

by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published June 8, 2026, 7:49 AM

Omar Khan Never Stops Turning Over Stones

The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been associated with stability. For decades, roster building often resembled a slow burn rather than a fireworks display. That perception changed when Omar Khan took control.

Since becoming general manager, Khan has operated with a sense of urgency. He has traded up, traded down, acquired veterans, moved on from familiar faces and shown little hesitation when an opportunity presents itself.

The modern NFL rewards aggressive decision makers, and Khan has embraced that reality.

As Organized Team Activities conclude and the Steelers inch closer toward training camp, a fascinating question lingers beneath the surface.

Could Pittsburgh be preparing for another major move?

The timing of Nick Herbig’s extension, Alex Highsmith’s absence from practice and the ongoing contract discussion surrounding T.J. Watt have naturally fueled conversation.

Perhaps it’s all coincidence.

Perhaps it isn’t.

Five Things to Think About

• Omar Khan has reshaped the roster aggressively since taking over.
• Pittsburgh has become far more active in the trade market.
• The Steelers have invested heavily in younger core players.
• Major contracts often create difficult roster decisions.
• The pass-rush room suddenly has everyone’s attention.

Nick Herbig’s Rise Changes Everything

Nick Herbig didn’t merely earn an extension.

He forced Pittsburgh’s hand. The predicted forecast for his open market price in 2027 surely forced the Steelers hand to sign the talented and young pass rusher to a lucrative contract extension.

The young outside linebacker emerged as one of the defense’s most productive playmakers and eventually led the Steelers in sacks last season. His relentless motor, versatility and ability to finish around the quarterback made him impossible to ignore.

The organization rewarded him accordingly.

When teams commit significant resources to a player, they aren’t simply paying for past production. They’re investing in future expectations.

That’s where the conversation becomes interesting.

Herbig’s extension secures one edge position for years to come. It also raises questions about how the Steelers intend to allocate future resources across a room that includes both Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt.

The Steelers now possess three starting-caliber edge defenders.

History suggests keeping all three long-term becomes increasingly difficult.

Herbig Quick Hits

• Herbig led Pittsburgh in sacks last season.
• The Steelers committed massive money to keep him.
• Edge rusher remains one of football’s premium positions.
• Financial realities eventually force tough decisions.
• Herbig’s deal immediately created speculation about the future.

The Highsmith Absence Will Be Watched Closely

Coincidence or simply illness?

That’s the question surrounding Alex Highsmith’s absence following Nick Herbig’s blockbuster extension.

The Steelers officially stated Highsmith missed practice because of sickness. By all accounts, he remained at the facility and there has been no indication of a holdout or dispute.

Still, timing matters.

In today’s NFL, every absence is scrutinized. Every missed practice generates theories. Every unexplained development becomes a headline.

If Highsmith is absent again when media members observe Tuesday’s OTA session, speculation will only intensify heading into training camp.

That doesn’t mean a trade is coming.

It does mean people will begin asking the question louder.

And in Pittsburgh, where Khan has established a reputation for making bold moves, those questions carry more weight than they once did.

Highsmith Quick Hits

• Highsmith’s absence was officially listed as illness.
• The Steelers have indicated no contract dispute exists.
• Timing immediately sparked discussion.
• Another absence would increase outside speculation.
• Khan’s aggressive history keeps trade scenarios alive.

The Unthinkable Scenario of Trading T.J. Watt

There are certain players fans assume will never wear another uniform.

T.J. Watt belongs on that list.

He is the face of the defense, a former Defensive Player of the Year and one of the greatest pass rushers in franchise history.

Which is exactly why the conversation refuses to disappear.

Elite players carry elite value.

If negotiations become complicated and another franchise offers a historic package of draft capital, every general manager must at least listen.

That doesn’t mean Pittsburgh wants to move Watt.

Far from it.

But NFL history is littered with trades nobody believed possible until they happened.

The Steelers are attempting to build a roster capable of sustained success. Sometimes that means making decisions that are unpopular in the short term for the sake of the future.

The idea of Watt being traded remains unlikely.

Yet it is no longer impossible to imagine.

Watt Quick Hits

• Watt remains one of the NFL’s premier defenders.
• Franchise icons have been traded before.
• His market value would be enormous.
• Contract dynamics always influence decisions.
• An unlikely scenario is still a scenario.

 

Why Philadelphia Makes Too Much Sense

If a blockbuster were ever to materialize, one destination immediately jumps to the front of the line.

Philadelphia.

No general manager has been more willing to chase elite pass rushers than Howie Roseman.

The Eagles have consistently built their roster around dominating the line of scrimmage. They draft defensive linemen, sign defensive linemen and trade for defensive linemen.

It’s part of their identity.

Both Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt fit the exact mold Philadelphia covets productive, battle-tested pass rushers capable of changing games with a single snap.

Roseman has never been afraid of a headline-grabbing transaction.

Neither has Khan.

That’s what makes the connection intriguing.

Again, there is no evidence a trade is imminent.

But when one aggressive general manager possesses a surplus at a premium position and another is constantly searching for pass-rush help, the possibility becomes difficult to completely dismiss.

Roseman Quick Hits

• Howie Roseman has a history of blockbuster trades.
• Philadelphia prioritizes pass rushers above almost everything.
• The Eagles constantly invest in the trenches.
• Highsmith and Watt fit their defensive philosophy.
• Two aggressive GMs always create interesting possibilities.

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