The Detroit Lions have already seen their defense undergo significant changes this offseason, but one new trade proposal suggests general manager Brad Holmes may not be done adding talent.
According to Max Dible of Heavy.com, one intriguing possibility would send Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith to Detroit, giving the Lions another proven pass rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
Why Highsmith Could Be Available
Dible pointed to comments from ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, who recently identified Highsmith as a logical trade candidate.
The Steelers have committed major money to both T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig, leaving Highsmith in an interesting position despite having two years remaining on his current contract. Because much of the money left on his deal is not guaranteed, Pittsburgh would have flexibility if it decided to move him.
Barnwell believes that combination of contract structure and the Steelers’ financial commitments elsewhere could make Highsmith available either before the regular season or ahead of the NFL trade deadline.
Highsmith Has Been One of the NFL’s Most Consistent Pass Rushers
If Detroit were to make a move, it would be acquiring one of the league’s more reliable edge defenders.
Highsmith recorded 9.5 sacks in 2025, leading Pittsburgh’s defense, and has totaled 45 career sacks and 64 tackles for loss since entering the league.
Perhaps even more impressive is his consistency. Outside of his rookie season, Highsmith has never finished with fewer than six sacks, while his career-best campaign came in 2022 when he registered 14.5 sacks.
Would the Lions Make Sense?
Adding another established edge rusher alongside Hutchinson has long been a popular idea among Lions fans.
Detroit already features one of the NFL’s premier defensive ends, but pairing Hutchinson with a player of Highsmith’s caliber could give defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard one of the league’s most dangerous pass-rushing duos.
Whether Brad Holmes is willing to part with the draft capital required to complete such a deal remains to be seen. Still, if Pittsburgh decides Highsmith is expendable, Detroit could be one of the teams worth watching.
Bottom Line
At this point, a trade remains purely speculative, but the logic is easy to understand. As Max Dible noted, Highsmith checks plenty of boxes for a Lions team looking to strengthen its pass rush. If the Steelers make the veteran available, don’t be surprised if Detroit is mentioned among the potential landing spots.
One Response
NO. WE NEED A DB MORE!!