Soft-tissue injuries sidelined Alex Highsmith for a combined 10 games over the past two seasons, a series of sprains, strains and worse that got the 28-year-old focused on staying healthy.
The Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker joined teammates Monday at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex for the first day of organized team activities.
“I’ve done a lot (to stay healthy), especially over the past couple years,” Highsmith said. “I know I had a couple, like one or two, last year as well. But I feel like I’ve done a lot to take care of my body this offseason — intentionally. Stretching more. More mobility. I’ve got to continue to do that going into Year 7.”
Highsmith had a team-best 91⁄2 sacks last season despite missing four games to ankle and pectoral muscle injuries. He missed six games in 2024 with groin and ankle injuries.
The 6-foot-4, 242-pound edge rusher rarely missed games to injury before the past two years. He started 50 of a possible 51 games in a three-year span from 2021-23.
During that stretch, Highsmith set a career high with 141⁄2 sacks in 2022 and tied for the NFL lead with five forced fumbles that year.
“I know the type of player I can be when I’m healthy,” he said. “So, it’s all about staying healthy and just being my best that I can be.”
Steelers OLB Alex Highsmith on working under a new defensive coordinator in Patrick Graham pic.twitter.com/LhcqEaE2kr
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) May 18, 2026
New contract, same focus for Boswell
Chris Boswell received a new contract last week that made him one of the two highest-paid kickers in the league. But the 12th-year pro said money doesn’t mean he suddenly feels comfortable in his job.
His new five-year deal reportedly included a four-year, $28 million extension that matched the record $7 million per-year salary of Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey.
“The money value doesn’t pay any respect to how you do on the field,” Boswell said. “The contract doesn’t mean I’m going to make or miss any more kicks. I’ve still got to show up and perform every single week. My job is on the line every single kick, every single week. I need to keep that mentality and let the rest take care of itself.”
Boswell went 27 for 32 on field goals last season, including a 60-yarder that set a franchise record. He made a league-leading 41 of 44 field goals in 2024, earning first-team All-Pro honors.
The 35-year-old is one of the most accurate long-distance kickers, having made 52 of 63 attempts from 50 yards or more. His 82.5% success rate ranks best in NFL history among kickers with at least 60 attempts at that distance.
Bernard, Heidenreich sign
The Steelers have just about signed their entire draft class after finalizing rookie deals with Alabama receiver Germie Bernard and Navy running back/receiver Eli Heidenreich of Mt. Lebanon.
Bernard was selected in the second round. Heidenreich was a seventh-round pick. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Penn State quarterback Drew Allar is the last unsigned player from the class. The third-round pick took part in OTA workouts Monday.
Pitt DB added
Pitt defensive back Tamon Lynum, who took part in the Steelers rookie minicamp, signed Monday as an undrafted free agent. The 6-2, 180-pound Lynum made 57 tackles and two interceptions in two seasons with the Panthers.