{"id":164668,"date":"2026-03-15T22:33:08","date_gmt":"2026-03-15T22:33:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=164668"},"modified":"2026-03-15T22:33:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-15T22:33:08","slug":"%f0%9f%9a%a8breaking-from-pittsburgh-to-the-pro-bowl-a-rising-defensive-star-ranked-5th-in-run-stop-and-16th-in-pass-rush-is-now-reportedly-dallass-number-one-target-sources-say-the-deal-m","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=164668","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udea8BREAKING: From Pittsburgh to the Pro Bowl? A rising defensive star ranked 5th in run stop and 16th in pass rush is now reportedly Dallas\u2019s number one target. Sources say the deal may be much closer than fans realize. \ud83d\udc40\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47"},"content":{"rendered":"

Would Big Mike do a solid for his former team?<\/p>\n

<\/figure>\n

The Dallas Cowboys bolstered their defensive front by\u00a0trading for Rashan Gary. While Gary is an anchor in run defense, he doesn\u2019t bring a lot of juice as a pass rusher. He\u2019ll get home from time to time, but he\u2019s more of a DeMarcus Lawrence than a Micah Parsons.<\/p>\n

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In other words, Dallas badly needs another pass rusher, especially with Donovan Ezeiruaku out until at least training camp after labrum surgery. Jerry Jones said he wouldn\u2019t rule out a trade for Maxx Crosby, but Cowboys fans should take that with a grain of salt.<\/p>\n

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Running low on options,\u00a0Steelers expert Tommy Jaggi of\u00a0Still Curtain\u00a0<\/em>proposed a trade between Dallas and Pittsburgh that makes sense for both sides.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Dallas Cowboys should consider trading for Steelers pass rusher Alex Highsmith<\/h2>\n

The Steelers have a logjam at edge rusher between T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig. While Herbig would be the more ideal investment for Dallas, Pittsburgh may elect to trade Highsmith and pay Herbig, who is still an ascending player at 24 years old.<\/p>\n

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Highsmith is approaching his age-29 season, but, as Jaggi notes, he\u2019d be a seamless fit in the Cowboys\u2019 new defense.<\/p>\n

\u201cHighsmith is a well-rounded rusher who can hold up against the run, rush the passer, and even drop into coverage when needed. The Cowboys are shifting to a 3-4 defense, and Highsmith would be an ideal fit as a starter for new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Though Herbig would go for a second-round pick (and maybe more) via trade, Highsmith\u2019s value would come in a bit lower, due to his age. Still, the Steelers and Cowboys could strike a deal that includes Dallas\u2019 third-round pick recently acquired by the San Francisco 49ers in the Osa Odighizuwa trade. The Cowboys could also throw in a 2027 pick-swap to sweeten the deal for Pittsburgh.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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The question everyone is asking is if Jerry Jones will flip the 2026 third-round pick (No. 92 overall)\u00a0acquired in the Osa Odighizuwa trade\u00a0for a proven pass rusher.<\/p>\n

That remains a massive need, even with the Gary trade. Top edge prospects David Bailey, Arvell Reese, and Rueben Bain may all be gone by the time Dallas picks at No. 12 overall. With the free agency pool bereft of star power, the Cowboys may need to work the phones.<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Highsmith has lived in Watt\u2019s shadow since he was drafted in 2020, but he\u2019s an excellent player.<\/p>\n

Just last season, he ranked 16th among edge defenders with a 79.6 pass-rush grade and fifth with an 82.6 run-defense grade,\u00a0per PFF. He also posted a 16.1 percent pass-rush win rate (15th) and 32 defensive stops (11th), underlining his impact as a true three-down player.<\/p>\n

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Highsmith currently makes $17 million per year, but, like Gary, he doesn\u2019t have any guaranteed money left on his contract. The Cowboys could renegotiate a new deal with a similar AAV, just as they did with Gary.<\/p>\n

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In a perfect world, the Cowboys could flip the 2026 third-rounder for a player just entering their prime, but those players are seldom made available.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Herbig fits that to a tee, but assuming he\u2019s part of the Steelers\u2019 future, Highsmith could be a worthwhile pivot for Dallas.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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