Last week, Alex Highsmith was absent the Pittsburgh Steelers’ final day of mandatory minicamp 24 hours after Nick Herbig secured a $100 million deal. The team cited illness but dot-connecting led to speculation Highsmith was unhappy about Herbig’s deal.
That theory looks far less plausible now. Shared by the team’s photo gallery Monday, Highsmith attended Monday’s workout. One that was voluntary and according to beat writers, was largely meant for rookies and end-of-roster players.
Captured by team photographer Taylor Ollason, the Steelers’ site shared this photo of Highsmith at practice. Monday’s session was closed to the media, meaning information disseminated by the team is our only source of information. Reporters will allowed at Tuesday’s session.
Several other notable veterans and established starters were also featured. That included Nick Herbig, practicing after sitting out sessions before his $100 million deal last week. Offensive tackle Troy Fautanu, offensive guard Spencer Anderson, and safety Jaquan Brisker also attended.
Highsmith is now the third-highest paid pass rusher on Pittsburgh’s roster behind T.J. Watt and Herbig. His $17 million average yearly value is relatively cheap for his production and role on the team. With two years left on his contract, it’s doubtful the Steelers will extend his contract this year.
Any such deal would have to wait until next offseason, and Highsmith would likely want a contract larger than what Herbig just received.
For now, Highsmith seems to be taking Herbig’s extension in stride. A former college walk-on, Highsmith is regarded as a hard worker and solid teammate who doesn’t complain or point fingers. He’s yet to speak to reporters since Herbig’s contract, but the fact he opted to attend a voluntary workout with emphasis on the younger players signals there’s no bad blood between him and the team.
Pittsburgh has three more voluntary sessions this week before breaking for the summer. Despite media speculation, odds are high Highsmith will participate fully in training camp once the team reports to training camp in late July.
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