The Chicago Bears were one of the most exciting teams in the NFL last season, and they look to build off that success. To give themselves the best chance of doing so, the Bears should improve their biggest weakness: pass-rush help.
Last season, Chicago was tied for 28th in team sacks (35), but that hasn't led to any moves there. That's a bit surprising, as fans know that their biggest flaw going into the 2026 season, and why Chicago should call the Pittsburgh Steelers to see what it would take to acquire edge rusher Alex Highsmith.
Bears should inquire about Alex Highsmith trade with Steelers
This offseason, Pittsburgh extended Nick Herbig, handing him a four-year, $100 million deal, with more than $60 million coming in the first three years. They still have T.J. Watt, who inked a three-year, $123 million extension last year. Pittsburgh also has Jack Sawyer in the building, whom they have high hopes for.
The defensive line room is crowded in the Steel City, which is why the Bears should see what it takes to land Highsmith. He would provide Chicago with some much-needed juice off the edge. In six seasons with the Steelers (90 career games), he has 337 total tackles, 64 TFLs, 91 QB hits, 10 forced fumbles, and 45 sacks. Last season, he racked up 9.5 sacks despite missing four games.
Over the last four years, Highsmith has tallied at least 44 pressures, showcasing his ability to consistently get into the backfield to create pressure. Adding him to the fold would massively improve Chicago's pass rush and would give Montez Sweat a running mate.
Sweat is Chicago's best pass rusher, recording a team-high 10 sacks in 2025. Yet behind him, things get dicey. Chicago is banking on Austin Booker taking a step in his development. In addition, they hope Dayo Odeyingbo and Shemar Turner bounce back from major injuries, while expecting Grady Jarrett to be more effective in his second season with the team.
While these situations can improve in Chicago's favor, it's far from a guarantee. The Steelers currently have an influx of pass rushers and may be willing to move on from one at the right price. We know Watt isn't going anywhere. Meanwhile, Sawyer and Herbig are both 24, so Pittsburgh would likely want those guys around.
That's why moving Highsmith makes sense. He's 29 and has two years left on his $68 million extension. What the compensation would be is the interesting nugget in this discussion. If the Bears can get him for a fourth-round pick or even a third, it may be worth it for Chicago. He would help plug a massive hole for this team while being under contract for the next two seasons.
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General manager Ryan Poles should call Pittsburgh to see what it would take to land Highsmith. If it's reasonable, he shouldn't waste time pulling the trigger.
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