Alex Highsmith
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Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith explained why it's so important for the team's veterans to attend offseason workouts.
Oftentimes, attendance doesn’t count for much in the NFL. But it does for Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith this offseason.
The Steelers were one of 10 teams to begin their offseason program Tuesday. Several Pittsburgh veterans were in attendance for the start of the voluntary program, including T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward.
On the first day, Highsmith shared with Steelers.com’s Teresa Varley how important he finds it that the team’s veterans are at the offseason program this week.
“I think it’s important we are all here because through this process, through OTA days, and then minicamp, you are able learn the new playbook and get to know new coaches, build that relationship, build that trust with the guys,” said Highsmith. “Ultimately, I feel like you’re playing the best when you trust those guys that you’re around. So, you develop that trust and that cohesion during this time.
“I think when the veterans show up, and they’re here, it shows the young guys they are committed, and that we’re all in.”
The NFL permits any team going through a head coaching change to begin their offseason program early. The Steelers replaced Mike Tomlin with Mike McCarthy this offseason.
The first phase of the offseason program will only include meetings, strength and conditioning and injury rehabilitation.
Steelers’ Alex Highsmith Stresses Attendance at Offseason Workouts
Alex Highsmith
GettyPittsburgh Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith explained why it’s so important for the team’s veterans to attend offseason workouts.
Pundits tend to make attendance at offseason workouts a bigger deal than it actually is. Over recent years, NFL teams seem to have accepted that not all players are going to be available for every offseason workout.
Whether that’s for personal reasons or a business reason related to a contract, that’s just reality.
So, for Highsmith to mark a public remark about attendance was rather notable. Other Steelers veterans appear to agree with Highsmith’s sentiment too, as a lot of veterans showed up for McCarthy’s first offseason day.
DK Pittsburgh Sports
Players who have reported to the first day of the voluntary offseason program, in which there are only team meetings, strength and conditioning and rehab: Joey Porter Jr., Jaquan Brisker, T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward, Pat Freiermuth, Nick Herbig, DK Metcalf, Sebastian Joseph-Day,
Defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day was a notable free agent attendee for the Steelers on Tuesday.
“It’s awesome to be here,” said Joseph-Day. “It’s always great to be around the coaches and players and build that camaraderie early and get to know your teammates.
“I feel like it all carries over once the season starts and how we play, especially when it gets to important games in December, January, and February.”
Safety Jaquan Brisker, who is a Pittsburgh native and another free agent signee from this offseason, also attended Tuesday.
Where Is Quarterback Aaron Rodgers?
Aaron Rodgers
GettyPittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers remains unsigned in 2026 NFL free agency.
Of course, there is one notable absence for the Steelers this week — quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Although, technically, he’s not an absence. Rodgers isn’t on the Pittsburgh roster, as he remains a free agent.
All the same, questions persist about whether the quarterback will return for the Steelers this season. Maybe more important, concerns over what the team will do if he doesn’t come back remain.
The Steelers have quarterbacks Mason Rudolph and Will Howard on their offseason roster. That’s better than last offseason when the team only had Rudolph inked to a deal.
But pundits don’t see Rudolph or Howard a solution for a team that has playoff aspirations.
Rodgers led the Steelers to a 10-6 record during 2025. He completed 65.7% of his passes while averaging 6.7 yards per attempt. Rodgers also threw 24 touchdowns versus seven interceptions.
Rodgers will turn 43 years old in December. Last offseason, he signed with the Steelers on June 5.
Team president Art Rooney II told reporters at the NFL’s annual league meetings that he expects to have Rodgers’s 2026 decision before the NFL Draft. The first round of the draft will be Thursday, April 23.