The $68 million-dollar man is in the building. Following an offseason filled with uncertainty, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith got his desired contract extension. And right in time, too.

Highsmith reported for training camp, which begins for the team on Wednesday, and shared his feelings about being in Pittsburgh long-term.

“Alex Highsmith said it was important to get the deal done before camp began,” the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ray Fittipaldo said. “He said he likes to work rather than sit out, suggesting he would have held in.” Steelers fans should take a collective sigh of relief after avoiding that potential headache.

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Contract disputes are an annual part of training camp and the lead-up to the NFL season, but the issue has gained even more national attention this year. The growing debate about fair compensation for running backs has extended even beyond the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders and is seeing many players across the league get involved. All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones is making his fair share of headlines, too, after not reporting to Kansas City Chiefs training camp.

Thankfully, Pittsburgh addressed the Highsmith situation with a few days to spare and can now fully focus on catching the AFC by surprise. The 25-year-old out of Charlotte made a huge leap in his third season, registering 14.5 sacks (more than doubled his previous year's total) and five forced fumbles. TJ Watt's early injury troubles likely contributed to the spike in production, but Highsmith is nevertheless an essential part of the franchise's defensive-minded plan.

He should be completely motivated going forward now that his financial situation has been resolved. The Steelers are ready to attack training camp, baggage-free starting Wednesday.