Howie Roseman Could Make Noise Again With Unexpected Defensive Trade Target

Yahoo

12-06-2025

Howie Roseman Could Make Noise Again With Unexpected Defensive Trade Target originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Philadelphia Eagles enter the 2025 season with significant questions along their defensive edge. The defending Super Bowl champions have undergone a dramatic reshuffling at the position, with Josh Sweat departing in free agency, team legend Brandon Graham retiring after 15 seasons, and the surprising trade of Bryce Huff to the San Francisco 49ers.
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This leaves Philadelphia banking on Nolan Smith—who made a huge developmental leap in 2024 with 6.5 regular-season sacks and four more in the playoffs—and second-year player Jalyx Hunt, who improved steadily from opening day through the Super Bowl. The Eagles also added veterans Azeez Ojulari and Josh Uche in free agency and have rotational depth in Patrick Johnson. They drafted linebacker Jihaad Campbell with the 31st overall pick, though the South Jersey native projects more as an off-ball linebacker who could help in coverage and run defense rather than serve as a primary pass rusher.
But considering what's happening across the state with the Pittsburgh Steelers, should general manager Howie Roseman pursue an intrastate trade that few would expect—by targeting Alex Highsmith?
Pittsburgh finds itself in an interesting financial position. T.J. Watt is entering the final year of his current deal and is due $21 million in base salary, which now appears modest compared to the extensions signed by Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby. Highsmith's cap hit jumps to $18.6 million in 2025 and $20.1 million in 2026 following an April 2024 restructure. If the Steelers plan to prioritize a Watt extension, moving Highsmith could offer financial flexibility without downgrading their pass rush too severely.
Highsmith, 27, has developed into a premier edge rusher since being selected in the third round of the 2020 draft. Though injuries limited him to 11 games in 2024, he remained effective when healthy, recording six sacks and averaging 4.5 pressures per game. His 2022 breakout season remains a career highlight: 14.5 sacks, 63 tackles and a league-leading five forced fumbles.
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Across 77 career games, Highsmith has 35.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles, three interceptions and one defensive touchdown—an impressive résumé for a player in his prime.
Here's a trade framework that could benefit both franchises:
Eagles receive: Alex Highsmith and a 2026 fourth-round pick (which becomes a third-rounder if Highsmith records more than 11 sacks in 2025).
Steelers receive: A 2026 second-round pick, 2026 fifth-round pick, and a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick that becomes a fifth if Highsmith hits eight sacks.
For Philadelphia, Highsmith offers an immediate solution at a position of concern. He brings speed off the edge, toughness against the run and an ability to generate turnovers—traits that fit perfectly in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's system. Financially, the Eagles would acquire a proven starter with upside at a lower cost than top-tier free agents, preserving future flexibility.
Philadelphia's current top two edge rushers—Smith and Hunt—have just 11 career starts combined. While both are ascending players, entrusting them to carry the edge load on a defending champion roster is a risky proposition. Trading away a $51 million pass rusher in Huff signals confidence in their development—but adding a player like Highsmith would stabilize the unit and offer a reliable, experienced presence.
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Highsmith's leadership, consistent production and age make him an ideal fit for a Super Bowl contender looking to sustain success. Pittsburgh may prefer to keep him, but with Watt's looming extension and Highsmith's escalating cap hits, a trade would allow the Steelers to restock draft capital and refocus financially.
Whether the Steelers would actually entertain the deal remains to be seen. But given both teams' trajectories—Pittsburgh in cap-management mode and Philadelphia in win-now mode—the trade could make sense for both franchises. For Roseman, it would be just the kind of calculated, aggressive move that has defined his championship-building tenure.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.