Bengals Eye Blockbuster Swap - Trey Hendrickson for Steelers Star
Pittsburgh, PA – The Bengals’ contract standoff with Trey Hendrickson has opened the door to a bold idea — and now Pittsburgh is in the crosshairs. League sources confirm Cincinnati has inquired about Alex Highsmith as a possible return piece if trade talks move forward.
Highsmith, 26, has quietly carved out a reputation as one of the NFL’s most underrated edge defenders. At 6-foot-4, 242 pounds, he’s leaner than Hendrickson but brings a mix of burst and technical polish that Pittsburgh has leaned on opposite T.J. Watt. His arsenal — from a sharp spin move to a punishing bull rush — makes him a constant problem off the edge.
Injury clouds the conversation. Highsmith has been sidelined with a groin issue throughout training camp, missing both of Pittsburgh’s preseason games. He’s listed as questionable for Thursday’s matchup against the Panthers — a factor that could complicate his immediate trade value.
Still, the stylistic similarities remain. “Alex isn’t Hendrickson in terms of sack totals, but the traits line up,” one NFC scout told ESPN. “He wins with speed, hand use, and technique. He’s the kind of rusher who could slide into Cincinnati’s scheme without much drop-off.”
Where Hendrickson dominates with a violent first step and pure edge pressure, Highsmith offers a blend of speed-to-power and the ability to handle space. He might not be the All-Pro finisher Hendrickson has become, but his profile as a complete outside linebacker makes him a valuable chess piece.
The Steelers, however, would be reluctant sellers. Highsmith is entering his prime and remains under contract, making him a foundational complement to Watt. Moving him for Hendrickson — who is seeking a new deal — would raise long-term cap and roster-building questions in Pittsburgh’s front office.
That’s why this rumor feels more like a leverage play than a likely trade. By floating Highsmith’s name, Cincinnati signals they’re not looking for placeholders; they want established, ascending talent to balance Hendrickson’s departure.
Whether Pittsburgh would even entertain the conversation remains doubtful. Trading away a 26-year-old pass rusher with untapped upside for Hendrickson’s expiring deal could prove too steep. But the fact that Highsmith’s name has surfaced at all underscores just how seismic this situation could become for both AFC North rivals.
Steelers Young Defender Arrested Hours After Being Released - Facing Multiple Charges
Just hours after being released by the Pittsburgh Steelers, a young defensive back who had been considered one of the team’s most promising talents was reportedly arrested in downtown Pittsburgh on Monday night, November 3.
According to local police reports, the player was taken into custody for driving under the influence (DUI), disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest following an incident near Carson Street. Witnesses told authorities that the man appeared intoxicated and was “acting aggressively” toward bystanders and officers at the scene.
The situation reportedly began earlier that afternoon, when the player received word that he had been waived by the Steelers, ending his brief but encouraging stint with the team. Sources close to the organization said he took the news “extremely hard,” describing him as visibly upset when leaving the team facility.
Later that evening, according to the police report, officers responded to calls of a disturbance involving a man driving erratically before stopping near a local bar. Upon arrival, officers identified the individual as
Bishop was taken into custody after refusing initial instructions from officers, though police noted that “no one was injured” during the arrest. He has since been released on bail, and his court date is set for later this month.
Head coach Mike Tomlin later addressed the situation in a brief but emotional statement, saying:
"It’s tough. He’s a young man who’s been nothing but respectful and hard-working since the day he walked in. When we heard the news, we immediately reached out to provide legal and emotional support. We’re not here to judge him, we’re here to help him find his way back. Once an Steelers, always part of our family.”
The Steelers organization later released a statement through head coach Mike Tomlin, expressing both concern and compassion for the young defender. The team confirmed that they have moved quickly to
Fans on social media have expressed mixed emotions — disappointment over the arrest, but also sympathy for a young player who appeared to be struggling emotionally after his unexpected release.
This marks another difficult chapter in what had been an inspiring rise for Bishop, who went from an undrafted rookie to a preseason standout before being waived earlier this week. While his future in the NFL remains uncertain, many within
