Bucs Trade for Highsmith, Boost Pass Rush

0:00It's April 21st. This is NFL News, today football coverage powered by AI. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hurting for past rushers heading into the draft, and one hot trade idea could fix that quick. Folks are buzzing about a deal sending Pittsburgh Steelers' edge rusher Alex Heismeth to Tampa in exchange for draft picks. It's a straight swap where the Bucks slide back in the 2026 first round and snag extra mid-round selections. Right now, Tampa's leaning on Al Quadine, Muhammad, and Yaya Diabie on the edges, but neither screams reliability every snap. Muhammad had a solid 2025, yet he's bounced around without repeating it. Diabie shows flashes, but rookies from the draft might not pan out fast enough. This proposal has the Bucks getting Heismeth plus Pittsburgh's 2026 first rounder at number 21 overall, a third at number. 85 and a fifth at number 161. In return, the Steelers grabbed HEPA's number 15 pick, a 2026 fourth rounder at number

1:01116 and a 2027, second rounder. Both sides win here, Pittsburgh's shed salary, freeze up spots for youth, and jumps ahead in the draft with future ammo. For the Bucks, it's instant help with more picks to build depth. Heismeth bought out last year with 50 tackles, 15 for loss, and 9.5 sacks over 13 games, earning a top 15 pFF grade. Among edge guys, a quiet move like this could supercharge Tampa's defense without the spotlight.