Steelers Linebacker Alex Highsmith Signs Massive Extension

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith has signed a four-year, $68 million extension ahead of training camp, his agents, Mike Swenson, CJ LaBoy and Doug Hendrickson of Wasserman confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter on Wednesday (July 19).

"Steelers have signed edge rusher @highsmith34 to a 4 year, $68 million extension locking up their standout prior to training camp, per his agents @MSWENSON78 @cjlaboy and @dhendrickson41. It gives Highsmith over $27.7M in guarantees and $38M over the first two new years of the deal," Schefter tweeted.

Highsmith, 25, is coming off a season in which he recorded a career-best 14.5 sacks and an NFL co-leading five forced fumbles (tied with Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick), as well as 63 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 20 QB hits.

Highsmith "reported to and participated in OTAs and minicamp" during negotiations with the Steelers on a new deal with the belief that it would get done," ESPN Steelers beat reporter Brooke Pryor tweeted, quoting Highsmith as saying, "I'm very confident we're going to get something worked out and because I want to be here and be here for a long time" in June.

Highsmith was selected by the Steelers at No. 102 overall in the third-round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The former Charlotte standout recorded a total of 185 tackles, 22.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, 32 tackles for loss and 41 QB hits during his first three NFL seasons.