The Green Bay Packers could use some help on the edge, and one NFL trade idea would send that help straight from Pittsburgh.
NFL analyst Moe Moton of Bleacher Report proposed a deal that would move Alex Highsmith from the Steelers to the Packers in exchange for a Day 2 2027 draft pick. Moton pointed to Green Bay’s need at outside linebacker and the possibility that Highsmith is looking for a new contract.
"Green Bay can replenish its depleted outside linebacker group with a move for Highsmith, who may want a new contract," Moton wrote. "The Steelers edge-rusher doesn't have any guaranteed money in the final two years of his deal. With $23.4 million in cap space, the Packers can acquire Highsmith, rework his contract and fill a glaring need on the edge."
Highsmith would bring a proven pass-rushing track record. Last season with Pittsburgh, he recorded 9.5 sacks, 36 solo tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 19 QB hits. Across his NFL career, he has 45 sacks, 212 solo tackles, 64 tackles for loss and 91 QB hits, all with the Steelers.
The timing is part of what makes the idea interesting for Green Bay. Micah Parsons will miss the start of next season, which leaves the Packers likely to open the year short-handed on defense. Parsons had a strong first season in Green Bay, finishing with 12.5 sacks, 19 solo tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 27 QB hits in 14 games.
Parsons also made the Pro Bowl last season after tearing his ACL against the Denver Broncos. The Penn State product has made the Pro Bowl every season of his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys and Packers.
He also underwent a meniscus procedure. Parsons was hurt in Week 15 on December 14, and surgery followed on December 29. With a nine-month recovery timeline, he is not expected back before September 29.
That leaves the Packers with a possible opening to strengthen the defense, and Highsmith is one name that has already been floated as a fit.
In Other News...
Packers Double Down On Isaiah McDuffie With New Defensive Commitment
Isaiah McDuffies rise from depth piece to trusted part of the Packers defense has now been rewarded. Green Bay signed the linebacker to an extension after a 2025 season in which he handled a much bigger role on defense and special teams, giving the team another example of how it wants to keep its own players in place as they earn larger responsibilities.
The move also gives the Packers some control over McDuffies future before he can get to unrestricted free agency after the 2026 season. For a player drafted by Green Bay in 2021, it is another sign that the organization sees value in developing and retaining homegrown talent, especially when that player has proven he can handle steady snaps and contribute in multiple phases. [Read more 🡒]
Packers May Finally Have The Missing Piece Behind Josh Jacobs
MarShawn Lloyd has spent much of his first two seasons trying to get on the field, but the Packers still have reason to be intrigued by what the 2024 third-round pick can become. The former USC back brought real juice to college football, and even in preseason glimpses he showed the kind of speed and receiving ability that can change the shape of an offense when he is healthy enough to use it.
This offseason, Lloyd took another step in trying to get there, working with specialists to get to the root of the soft-tissue issues that have slowed him down and heading into camp looking healthier than he has in a while. If that progress holds, Green Bay could finally have a back who gives Josh Jacobs a different kind of partner in the backfield, one the offense has been missing for some time. [Read more 🡒]
Packers Have A Hidden Backfield Problem That Could Derail 2026
Josh Jacobs remains the centerpiece of Green Bays rushing attack, and the Packers know it. He gave the offense a reliable downhill identity last season, but the bigger issue now is what comes after him. The room behind Jacobs is thin enough that the team cannot afford much disruption, especially with the offense leaning so heavily on the run game to stay on schedule and keep balance.
Chris Brooks is viewed as the third-down option, while MarShawn Lloyd is next in line if Green Bay has to reach deeper into the depth chart. That is where the concern starts to sharpen for 2026, because the Packers are one injury, one setback, or one stretch of missed time away from asking a lot more of their backups than the roster may be built to handle. [Read more 🡒]