Pittsburgh Steelers sign linebacker Alex Highsmith to $68 million extension

July 19 (UPI) — The Pittsburgh Steelers signed Alex Highsmith to an extension, keeping the linebacker under contract through the 2027 season, the team announced Wednesday.

Sources told ESPN, NFL Network and The Athletic about the four-year, $68 million deal. Highsmith, who was already under contract in 2023, will make $38 million over the first two new years of the pact.

“I know I am a Pittsburgh Steeler through and through, and just to be a part of this amazing organization for four more years means the world to me, to my wife, to my whole family,” Highsmith told Steelers.com.

“This is where I want to be. This is where I want to play ball. I am unbelievably grateful. I am super thankful to be here and can’t wait to get to work. I am excited.”

Highsmith, 25, logged a career-high 63 combined tackles, 14.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and a pass defensed in 17 starts last season. The third-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft totaled 185 total tackles, 22.5 sacks and six forced fumbles over his first 49 appearances with the Steelers.

Steelers rookies and veterans will report to training camp July 26 at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa.

Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith agreed to a four-year, $68m contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday.

‘This organization, it’s the history. Everyone here, it’s a top-notch organization. It’s an amazing place to play,’ Highsmith said in a team-issued release.

‘I love playing on this defense. I love the coaching staff. I love everything about it.

‘I am so thankful to (team president) Mr. (Art) Rooney, (general manager) Omar (Khan) for allowing me to be here for another four years. I am ready to get after it and get to work.’

Multiple reports pegged the value of the extension at $68million, which would push Highsmith into the top 10 for annual pay among pass rushers.

Highsmith posted a career-best 14.5 sacks in 2022 and was entering the final season of his four-year, $4.499 million rookie contract prior to the extension.

Highsmith, 25, tied for the NFL lead with five forced fumbles last season and has 22.5 career sacks