Bengals Eye Blockbuster Swap - Trey Hendrickson for Steelers Star

Pittsburgh, PA –  The Bengals’ contract standoff with Trey Hendrickson has opened the door to a bold idea — and now Pittsburgh is in the crosshairs. League sources confirm Cincinnati has inquired about Alex Highsmith as a possible return piece if trade talks move forward.

Highsmith, 26, has quietly carved out a reputation as one of the NFL’s most underrated edge defenders. At 6-foot-4, 242 pounds, he’s leaner than Hendrickson but brings a mix of burst and technical polish that Pittsburgh has leaned on opposite T.J. Watt. His arsenal — from a sharp spin move to a punishing bull rush — makes him a constant problem off the edge.

The numbers paint the contrast. Hendrickson racked up 17.5 sacks in 2024, cementing his place as one of the league’s premier pass rushers. Highsmith, by comparison, finished with 7 sacks, 39 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 14 quarterback hits. While the raw production lags, his ability to drop into coverage (33 snaps last season) gives him a flexibility Hendrickson doesn’t often provide.

Injury clouds the conversation. Highsmith has been sidelined with a groin issue throughout training camp, missing both of Pittsburgh’s preseason games. He’s listed as questionable for Thursday’s matchup against the Panthers — a factor that could complicate his immediate trade value.

Still, the stylistic similarities remain. “Alex isn’t Hendrickson in terms of sack totals, but the traits line up,” one NFC scout told ESPN. “He wins with speed, hand use, and technique. He’s the kind of rusher who could slide into Cincinnati’s scheme without much drop-off.”

Where Hendrickson dominates with a violent first step and pure edge pressure, Highsmith offers a blend of speed-to-power and the ability to handle space. He might not be the All-Pro finisher Hendrickson has become, but his profile as a complete outside linebacker makes him a valuable chess piece.

The Steelers, however, would be reluctant sellers. Highsmith is entering his prime and remains under contract, making him a foundational complement to Watt. Moving him for Hendrickson — who is seeking a new deal — would raise long-term cap and roster-building questions in Pittsburgh’s front office.

That’s why this rumor feels more like a leverage play than a likely trade. By floating Highsmith’s name, Cincinnati signals they’re not looking for placeholders; they want established, ascending talent to balance Hendrickson’s departure.

Whether Pittsburgh would even entertain the conversation remains doubtful. Trading away a 26-year-old pass rusher with untapped upside for Hendrickson’s expiring deal could prove too steep. But the fact that Highsmith’s name has surfaced at all underscores just how seismic this situation could become for both AFC North rivals.