Steelers Considering Linebacker Trade, Dulac Hints

Veteran reporter suggests T.J. Watt or Alex Highsmith could be on the move

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:57am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a Steelers linebacker in mid-motion, their body and movements fractured into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in muted tones of black, gray, and navy blue with accents of yellow and white, conceptually representing the complex and multi-faceted nature of a potential trade.Dulac's hints about a potential Steelers linebacker trade spark speculation about the team's strategic plans and the evolving dynamics of the NFL player market.Today in Pittsburgh

Veteran Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Gerry Dulac has dropped hints that the Pittsburgh Steelers may be considering trading one of their starting outside linebackers, potentially T.J. Watt or Alex Highsmith. Dulac's comments during a weekly chat have sparked speculation among Steelers fans about the team's plans and the potential implications of such a move.

Why it matters

The Steelers' linebacker corps is a crucial part of their defensive identity, so any potential trade of a starter like Watt or Highsmith would be a significant development. Dulac's insights provide a window into the team's strategic thinking and the evolving dynamics of the NFL player market.

The details

In his weekly chat, Dulac suggested that the Steelers could be looking to trade a player ahead of 2022 second-round pick Nick Herbig on the depth chart. This immediately raised speculation about Watt or Highsmith, the team's two starting outside linebackers. Dulac noted that Watt's trade value may have decreased compared to previous seasons due to his age and large contract, potentially making him a trade candidate.

  • Dulac's comments were made during his weekly chat on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette website on April 11, 2026.

The players

Gerry Dulac

A veteran sports journalist who covers the Pittsburgh Steelers for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

T.J. Watt

The Steelers' star outside linebacker and a key part of their defensive unit.

Alex Highsmith

The Steelers' other starting outside linebacker, who has emerged as a talented young player.

Nick Herbig

A 2022 second-round draft pick by the Steelers, who is currently behind Watt and Highsmith on the depth chart.

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What they’re saying

“When asked about a hypothetical trade involving Nick Herbig, Dulac's response was both suggestive and intriguing. He implied that the trade would involve a player ahead of Herbig in the depth chart, which immediately sparks curiosity about the identity of that player.”

— Gerry Dulac, Sports Journalist

“Dulac notes that Watt's value has decreased compared to the previous season, and with his age and big contract, he might not fetch a first-round pick anymore.”

— Gerry Dulac, Sports Journalist

What’s next

The Steelers will need to carefully evaluate their options and the potential trade market for Watt and Highsmith in the coming weeks and months. Any decision to move one of their star linebackers would have significant implications for the team's defensive strategy and long-term plans.

The takeaway

Gerry Dulac's hints about a potential Steelers linebacker trade highlight the complex dynamics of the NFL player market and the need for teams to constantly adapt their strategies. While the specifics of any trade remain to be seen, Dulac's insights provide a valuable glimpse into the Steelers' decision-making process and the broader trends shaping the league.