Highsmith Trade Rumors Heat Up NFL Draft

0:00It's April 20th. This is NFL News Today, powered by AI, your gridiron update. I'm Corey with the story. Pittsburgh Steelers' Past R Usher, Alex Heismith, is heating up the trade rumors right as NFL Draft Week kicks off. This 28-year-old edge guy has been solid next to TJ Watt, notching 9.5 sacks last season despite missing four games to injuries. His contract is team-friendly at about 14.5 million this year and 15.5 next, but with him turning 29 in August, the Steelers might cash in now. Teams like the Chargers, Colts, Buccaneers, Eagles, Patriots, Packers and Cowboys are circling with hypothetical deals. Most offers hover around mid-round picks, like the Chargers' 55th overall, or the Bucks' 116th plus a conditional 5th. A few sweeten it with quarterbacks, such as the Colts sending Anthony Richardson and a 4th, or the Eagles offering Tanner McKee with a 20.

1:0026th third, fans and analysts are buzzing because Heismith brings proven pressure and run defense per player grades, but his groin, ankle and PA issues over. The last two years drop his value a bit. For teams in the AFC West or NFC Arms races, he's a win-now piece without breaking the bank, especially as a Khalil Mac successor or Rashan Gary, replacement. The standout proposal comes from Dallas, who swapped their 12th overall first rounder and 90 second in the third for him. That lets Pittsburgh jump eight spots in the first round, while grabbing extra top 100 ammo, perfect for packaging into higher picks in a draft. That thins out fast after day 2. Steelers' brass would be smart to listen if the Cowboys call, turning one good vet into draft capital that rebuilds their future without losing much. Huge rest juice right away.