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Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith in a game against the Houston Texans on Jan. 12, 2026. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
As training camp approaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster will quickly begin taking shape. While it is highly likely that most of the pieces are already in place, there are still a few last-minute trades Omar Khan could explore that would make sense for Pittsburgh and the teams involved.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy and general manager Omar Khan speak at a press conference at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex before the NFL Draft on Sunday, April 19, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Alex Highsmith to San Francisco
49ers receive: Alex Highsmith
Why San Francisco says yes
San Francisco remains firmly in win-now mode, but its pass rush is one of the biggest concerns on the roster. The 49ers finished last in the NFL in sacks in 2025, Nick Bosa is returning from another serious knee injury, Mykel Williams has also been recovering and Bryce Huff retired.
Highsmith would give San Francisco an established pass rusher who could immediately start opposite Bosa. The 49ers also have enough cap flexibility to absorb his contract without needing Pittsburgh to provide financial assistance.
Steelers receive: 2027 second-round pick
Why Pittsburgh says yes
Highsmith led Pittsburgh in sacks last season, but the Steelers are unusually deep at edge. T.J. Watt remains under contract, Nick Herbig has earned a larger role and rookie Jack Sawyer has already shown encouraging signs.
Moving Highsmith would clear a significant salary while giving Pittsburgh a premium second-round selection. It would be an aggressive decision, but the Steelers may believe Herbig and Sawyer can replace enough of his production to make the long-term value worthwhile.
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith at practice on Oct. 14, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Joey Porter Jr. to Detroit
Lions receive: Joey Porter Jr. and permission to negotiate a long-term extension
Why Detroit says yes
Following the Terrion Arnold situation, Detroit has an immediate need for a proven outside corner. Porter is coming off a breakout season and would give the Lions a young, physical defender capable of covering opposing No. 1 receivers.
Porter would remain inexpensive for the 2026 season, and Detroit could negotiate an extension before finalizing the trade. The Lions could structure that contract with a signing bonus and a manageable early cap hit, giving them cost certainty before surrendering a first-round pick.
Steelers receive: 2027 first-round pick
Why Pittsburgh says yes
Porter is one of Pittsburgh’s best young players, but he is also approaching an extension that could make him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in football. Trading him would not create significant immediate cap space, but it would prevent the Steelers from having to commit another massive contract to the defense beginning in 2027.
Pittsburgh would not be completely depleted at corner. Jamel Dean provides proven starting experience, while Brandon Echols, Asante Samuel Jr. and rookie Daylen Everett give the Steelers several other options at the position.
Losing Porter would clearly weaken the top of the depth chart, but receiving a first-round pick would allow Pittsburgh to maximize his value rather than risk losing leverage as his contract situation becomes more difficult.
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. in a game against the New York Jets on Sept. 8, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
T.J. Watt to Carolina
Panthers receive: T.J. Watt at a reduced 2026 cost
Before completing the trade, Pittsburgh could convert roughly $10 million to $12 million of Watt’s 2026 salary into a signing bonus and pay that amount upfront. Carolina would then inherit the remaining portion of his salary instead of taking on the entire financial commitment.
Why Carolina says yes
After losing Nic Scourton, the Panthers have an immediate need for another proven edge rusher. Watt may no longer be playing at his Defensive Player of the Year peak, but he could still provide pass-rush production, leadership and credibility for a young Carolina defense.
The biggest obstacle would be Watt’s contract. Pittsburgh covering part of his 2026 compensation would make the deal much easier for Carolina to justify, especially without the Panthers having to surrender a first or second-round pick.
Steelers receive: Carolina’s 2027 third-round pick and Minnesota’s 2027 fourth-round pick
Why Pittsburgh says yes
Watt remains one of the greatest defensive players in franchise history, but his recent production has not matched the size of his contract. Pittsburgh is also deep at edge with Highsmith, Herbig and Sawyer, giving the team enough talent to consider moving an aging and expensive veteran.
The Steelers would still carry dead money and sacrifice some cap savings by helping Carolina with Watt’s salary. However, they would reduce part of their financial burden, add two useful future picks and create larger roles for their younger pass rushers before Watt’s trade value declines further.
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt in a game against the New York Jets on Sept. 8, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Kaleb Johnson to Green Bay
Packers receive: Kaleb Johnson
Why Green Bay says yes
Josh Jacobs’ legal situation has created uncertainty around Green Bay’s backfield, giving the Packers a reason to add another young runner.
Johnson would give Green Bay an inexpensive running back with three years remaining on his rookie contract. The schematic fit also makes sense, as Matt LaFleur’s zone-heavy rushing system could better utilize Johnson’s patience and one-cut running style.
Steelers receive: Conditional 2027 seventh-round pick that becomes a sixth-round pick if Johnson reaches 400 rushing yards
Why Pittsburgh says yes
Johnson’s rookie season was eventful for the wrong reasons, and his path to playing time has become even more crowded. Mike McCarthy brought in Rico Dowdle to join Jaylen Warren, while Pittsburgh also drafted versatile offensive weapon Eli Heidenreich.
The Steelers would not receive a major return, but the conditional structure gives them an opportunity to recover a sixth-round pick if Johnson earns a legitimate role in Green Bay. If he remains buried on the depth chart, Pittsburgh would still receive a seventh-round selection rather than potentially losing him for nothing.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson during an OTAs practice on June 11, 2026. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
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