By Moses Joshua 
Could Alex Highsmith Be the Final Piece in Detroit’s Super Bowl Puzzle?
As the Detroit Lions gear up for a high-stakes 2025 season, one glaring question still looms large over Dan Campbell’s rising squad: who will consistently rush the passer opposite Aidan Hutchinson?
Despite a talented and battle-tested defense returning almost fully intact, the edge rusher rotation remains thin — and fragile. Marcus Davenport returns with potential, but also with a history of injuries. Josh Paschal has shown flashes, and the Lions did add developmental rookie Ahmad Hassanein, but the group lacks another proven, disruptive presence. That’s where Pittsburgh’s Alex Highsmith comes into play.
A Perfect Storm: Cap Crunch in Pittsburgh, Opportunity in Detroit
While Detroit is eyeing reinforcements, the Steelers are staring down a financial bind. T.J. Watt’s holdout from mandatory minicamp is not just a headline — it’s a warning shot. Watt wants a new deal, one that could push toward $30 million annually. If the Steelers oblige, the ripple effects could hit Alex Highsmith, who is already carrying a projected $18.6 million cap hit in 2025 and $20.1 million in 2026.
With young talents like Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer emerging in Pittsburgh, the Steelers could be forced to make a brutal business decision. Trading Highsmith might become more necessity than choice — and if that happens, Detroit should be first in line.
Why Highsmith Makes Sense for Detroit
Highsmith is no mere sidekick. He’s coming off two highly productive seasons and has proven he can win one-on-one matchups even when attention shifts toward Watt. In 2022, he posted 14.5 sacks. Last season, while his numbers dipped slightly, his pressures and run defense remained high-level — precisely the kind of two-way edge defender Detroit covets.
Pairing Highsmith with Hutchinson would instantly elevate Detroit’s front four into elite territory. It would give the Lions a devastating duo capable of setting the tone against the NFC’s top quarterbacks — not just in the regular season, but in the playoffs, where matchups make all the difference.
Cost, Fit, and Championship Window
Detroit has cap flexibility, especially with several key players still on rookie deals. And more importantly, they’re entering a championship window. This isn’t the time to hoard mid-round picks or overvalue future flexibility. It’s time to be aggressive.
A package centered around a 2026 second-round pick — or even a combination of day-two selections — could tempt the Steelers if their cap situation tightens further. Lions GM Brad Holmes has built a reputation as a forward-thinking, fearless dealmaker. This would be his boldest move yet — but potentially the most impactful.
The Verdict: Time to Make the Call
The Lions aren’t just chasing wins anymore. They’re chasing a Lombardi Trophy. In that context, adding a proven edge rusher like Highsmith isn’t just smart — it’s necessary.
Detroit has the roster, the momentum, and the culture. Now it’s time to weaponize that with one more elite addition. If Pittsburgh’s lines are open, Holmes should be dialing right now.
Because in a loaded NFC, great teams don’t wait — they hunt.