Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith 'optimistic' long-term contract with Steelers can be reached

As he awaits a new contract from the Pittsburgh Steelers, outside linebacker Alex Highsmith apparently has no plans to conduct a hold-in — an approach taken by teammates T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick the past two seasons.

Watt didn’t take part in team portions of practice at the 2021 training camp until he received a contract that made him the highest-paid outside linebacker in NFL history. Last summer, before he became the league’s highest-paid free safety in mid-June, Fitzpatrick did limited work during organized team activities.

Highsmith, on the other hand, was front and center Tuesday for the first day of OTAs, and he did individual and team drills along with the rest of his teammates.

“I want to be here,” Highsmith said. “It’s going to work out.”

General manager Omar Khan has expressed a willingness to get a deal done with Highsmith, who is entering the final year of his contract after finishing sixth in the NFL last season with 14.5 sacks.

As he showed last season after becoming GM when he signed Fitzpatrick to a long-term deal, Khan isn’t afraid to act quickly to get a deal done. Khan signed Fitzpatrick just a few weeks after he replaced Kevin Colbert as GM.

Highsmith said the two sides already have begun negotiations.

“Things have started,” he said. “I just don’t know where it is yet. I’m here to work now. I’m optimistic we’ll get something done.”

Highsmith also has a pair of defensive teammates in Watt and Fitzpatrick to counsel him on how to handle negotiations.

“I’ve talked with some guys who have gone through the same situation in the past,” he said. “I’ve talked to my agent, as well. I think everything is going to work out.”