This week's organized team activities (OTAs) are optional for all players, so it's not the end of the world if certain players don't attend.
But, it usually is a primer for how a potential contract situation may play out over the course of the summer.
Alex Highsmith is the prime candidate due for a contract extension with the Steelers, heading into the final year of his rookie deal. However, Highsmith gave zero indication early on that any kind of hold-out or hold-in is on the way. In fact, he's in good spirits that an extension will be done prior to the start of the season:
"I'm optimistic," Highsmith said after Tuesday's workout. "I love being here around the guys. I'm grateful to even be in this position. It's still surreal going into my fourth year now. It seems like yesterday that I was drafted during COVID. It's a good feeling. I'm grateful to be here."
The Steelers drafted Highsmith in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Charlotte, and all he's done since he's donned the black and gold is improve.
Highsmith came in and earned a spot as the third guy behind T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree, a formidable pass-rushing duo for the Steelers. Highsmith earned his way into a starting role when Dupree's season ended early due to a torn ACL, and never relinquished the job.
After recording just two sacks as a rookie, Highsmith upped that number to six in his second season, but added 74 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 15 quarterback hits in his second year. Those aren't eye-popping numbers, but is still an improvement that gave the Steelers confidence that there was another level for Highsmith to reach.
That paid off in a big way last season, and it was needed when Watt suffered an injury in the season opener that sidelined him for nearly half of the season. Highsmith took a substantial leap forward in his development, especially as a pass rusher. He racked up 14.5 sacks, which ranked sixth in the NFL and was only four behind league-leader and Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa.
Highsmith also led the NFL with five forced fumbles, and the Pro Football Writers' of America respected his performance by naming him to the All-AFC team at season's end.
Heading into Year 4, Highsmith is more than aware that he set a high bar for himself in terms of the minimum he has to produce. But, he's only thinking about an even higher level than what we witnessed in 2022.
"I was watching my game film throughout the offseason. I played far from my best ball," Highsmith said. "I have so much more in me than I did last year. There were some games that I wasn't producing like I should. Honestly, I feel like I could play to a whole other level and a whole lot better. I'm just coming out to prove that this year. I'll just continue to build off what I did last year. I know I can be way better than I was last year."
Highsmith's always been a hard worker. Anyone who watches practice on a regular basis can see that. If you go to training camp, pay attention to No. 56. He's always working. When he says it, it's not just lip service.
So, even though there might be some sort of temptation down the road to send some sort of message about his contract through a level of participation in OTAs, minicamp or training camp, Highsmith's default setting is to keep working. That mentality has earned respect from even the most vocal teammates in the locker room.
"Alex is handling it the right way," Heyward said. "I would just suggest keep doing what you're doing, whether it's on or off the field, everybody knows what you're capable of, keep taking care of your body and it's going to happen."
Highsmith has every right to demand a well-paying contract. He's improved in each of his first three seasons, and now he's coming off a season in which he ranked among the league's best in very relevant stats. Yes, there's work to be done. Yes, the production when Watt isn't on the field needs to improve (only 3.5 of his 14.5 sacks came while Watt was out during Weeks 2 through 8).
But, at the end of the day, the Steelers have drafted and developed a formidable partner for Watt in their pass rush. That's something that neither party can overlook as they get further and further into extension talks in the coming weeks.
"I don't really know where they stand," Highsmith said. "But, I didn't want to be here (not) working and stuff. I was grateful for the opportunity that I have. I don't know what the future holds, but I really hope it's here. I'm confident. We'll see if something gets worked out. I really want to be here. I'm someone who always likes to work. I love working, so that's why I'm here."
