While the New York Jets improved their defensive line tremendously this offseason, they could potentially make another move at edge rusher before the season starts.

We recently floated out a potential Josh Sweat trade, and while it wouldn’t be surprising to stay pat, there is a chance that some movement around the league could propose an enticing opportunity for Gang Green to shore up the position.

After Nick Herbig received a four-year, $100 million extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers, sparking speculation that Alex Highsmith could be on the trade block, largely due to how much money the organization has tied up at the edge position between T.J. Watt and Herbig’s new deal.

That said, if Highsmith hits the trade block, should the Jets look to make a move?

Does an Alex Highsmith trade make sense for the Jets?

Highsmith, 28, entered the league in 2020 as a third-round pick by the Steelers. Since then, he has appeared in 90 games (79 starts), logging 337 combo tackles (212 solo, 64 for loss), 10 pass deflections, 10 forced fumbles, three interceptions, 45.0 sacks, and 91 quarterback hits.

During the 2025 season, he played in 13 games (all starts), tallying 3 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble, 9.5 sacks, and 50 combined tackles (36 solo, 15 for loss).

He also graded out as one of the league’s best edge rushers per Pro Football Focus, earning an 82.1 run defense grade, which ranked fourth among 115 qualified edge rushers. His overall grade of 82.9 ranked 13th.

Similar to Sweat, he would bring a much-needed all-around presence to the Jets’ edge room. While Will McDonald has proven to be a strong pass rusher throughout his career, logging 18.5 sacks in the past two seasons, he has consistently graded out as one of the league’s worst run-defending edges.

The same could be said about David Bailey, whom the Jets selected at No. 2 overall in April’s NFL draft. He has outstanding pass-rushing prowess, though he has not yet proven himself a competent run defender.

While two of the organization’s free agent pickups at edge, Kingsley Enagbare and Joseph Ossai, will significantly improve the Jets’ run defense off the edge, which has struggled mightily for what feels like the longest time, they don’t offer nearly as high a pass-rush ceiling as a player like Highsmith does.

The existing connection

To boot, Highsmith also has a direct connection to the Jets’ coaching staff, as New York’s defensive line coach, Karl Dunbar, developed the Charlotte product and helped get the most out of the former third-round pick.

A flurry of the Jets’ defensive line moves has indicated a potential scheme change up front, and as Aaron Glenn described it, the Jets are going to look to be “multiple” this season. If Highsmith becomes available at the right price, perhaps New York could look to acquire him and continue to build out Dunbar’s vision on the defensive line.

It is also important to account for his salary, as the 28-year-old is set to take on a $20.1 million cap hit in 2026 and a $21.1 million cap hit in 2027, before becoming a free agent at 30, when he will be up for a new deal.

For several reasons, it’s fair to argue from both ends of the spectrum. One side could argue that the Jets lack an edge of his caliber, and that he would fit perfectly with Dunbar, while others would cite his cap hits and age as reasons to steer clear.

Similar to the Sweat situation, it should at least be something the Jets consider if he does, in fact, become available.