Panthers Target Former Steelers Defender to Address Defensive Deficiency
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL offseason, the Carolina Panthers have made a decisive move to strengthen their roster by targeting a familiar name from one of the league’s most respected defenses. With glaring deficiencies in their defensive unit—especially in their front seven—the Panthers are reportedly in advanced discussions with a former Pittsburgh Steelers defender whose arrival could be pivotal in reshaping Carolina’s defensive identity.
While the identity of the player has not yet been confirmed by the team, sources close to the negotiations suggest that the Panthers are zeroing in on linebacker Alex Highsmith, a proven contributor with championship-caliber experience and a motor that doesn’t quit. Highsmith, who spent the early part of his career playing opposite T.J. Watt, emerged as a force in his own right—recording 14.5 sacks in 2022 and consistently generating pressure off the edge. The Panthers are in desperate need of just that kind of edge presence.
Addressing a Critical Weakness
The 2024 season was a tumultuous one for Carolina. Despite flashes of promise from their young quarterback, Bryce Young, and a solid core of young offensive talent, the defense struggled to keep games close. Most notably, the Panthers ranked near the bottom of the league in sacks and quarterback pressures, leaving their secondary exposed and often overwhelmed.
Carolina’s defensive front—once a strength anchored by the likes of Brian Burns and Derrick Brown—suffered from inconsistency, injury, and a lack of complementary pass-rushers. After trading away Burns in a blockbuster deal before the trade deadline, the Panthers were left without a true game-changer on the edge. While Brown continued to play at a high level from the interior, the team’s inability to collapse the pocket from the outside turned their defense into a one-dimensional unit.
This left General Manager Dan Morgan and new head coach Dave Canales with a clear offseason directive: upgrade the pass rush, immediately and aggressively.
The Fit: Why Highsmith Makes Sense
Highsmith fits the mold of exactly what the Panthers need—a tenacious, experienced pass-rusher who understands how to win matchups against elite offensive tackles and can thrive in a variety of defensive schemes. Known for his technique, burst, and football IQ, Highsmith is not just a product of playing alongside T.J. Watt. His tape consistently shows a defender capable of setting the edge against the run, dropping into coverage when necessary, and most importantly, closing fast when hunting quarterbacks.
A product of UNC Charlotte, Highsmith is also a North Carolina native, and a move to the Panthers would be something of a homecoming. That local connection has not gone unnoticed by Panthers brass, who value both on-field production and locker room leadership. Highsmith’s high-character reputation, work ethic, and leadership abilities have been well-documented during his time in Pittsburgh.
Moreover, Highsmith’s presence would allow Carolina’s defensive coordinator to be more creative with blitz packages and coverage disguises. Pairing Highsmith with Derrick Brown and Shy Tuttle up front could create mismatches and force offensive lines to spread their protection thinner—exactly what the Panthers need to increase disruption and turnovers.
Highsmith’s Steelers Tenure: A Model of Development
Originally a third-round pick in 2020, Highsmith was groomed in a Pittsburgh system that has long been considered one of the league’s best at developing linebackers and edge rushers. He showed flashes as a rookie but truly broke out in his third season, notching double-digit sacks and becoming a reliable starter.
His development was textbook Pittsburgh—draft a raw but toolsy defender, put him behind veterans, and gradually increase his role until he’s indispensable. By the time his rookie deal was winding down, Highsmith had not only earned a second contract but was commanding attention from offensive coordinators across the league.
However, with Pittsburgh investing heavily in Watt and restructuring its defense under new leadership, Highsmith’s long-term role became less clear. The Steelers, needing cap flexibility and facing other roster priorities, made the difficult decision not to extend Highsmith again after 2024, making him available via trade or release this offseason.
That opened the door for Carolina.