Steelers Running Risk Of Making Dangerous Nick Herbig Decision That Could Hurt The Franchise For Years

The Pittsburgh Steelers have certain positional groups on the depth chart that could be considered as some of the best in the entire NFL. Specifically, the edge rushers and tight end rooms boast plenty of talent, and there isn't enough time in any given game to get them all on the field consistently. Rising defender Nick Herbig has learned that the hard way for the majority of his young career due to playing behind TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith. All three players have dynamic capabilities, but at some point, one could have to be shown the door to maximize production from the other two.

This is a timely discussion to have because Herbig is in line for his contract extension as a professional. He will be entering his fourth season in 2026, which means he is eligible to cash in. The complication, however, is that giving Herbig a respectable deal may lead to the Steelers having nearly $100 million of their cap space tied up in edge rushers.

The team has a few options when it comes to Herbig, but the defender may also choose wisely when negotiating. If he has a career year in 2026, the chances of potentially signing a more financially-favorable contract increases. According to The Athletic's Mike DeFabo, the Steelers want to hold onto all three players, but extending Herbig will be challenging with Highsmith around.

"Khan publicly endorsed Nick Herbig, saying everyone would like to have the talented, young outside linebacker on the field more," DeFabo wrote. "At the same time, the GM alluded to Alex Highsmith’s future when he said, 'You can’t ever have enough (edge rushers).'
While Khan has been known to bend the truth (to put it politely), the sense around the league is he’s being honest here; a league source believes the Steelers would like to extend Herbig, but also keep Highsmith." 

The more important reporting from DeFabo to note was that there is a legitimate possibility that Herbig is not happy with what kind of contract the Steelers are willing to offer him. In that case, Pittsburgh runs the risk of losing him in free agency come 2027.

"The question is whether Herbig would want to sign right now to get the security, or if he’d be willing to bet on himself, let this season play out and then hit the open market in 2027. The price tag and contract terms will determine if the Steelers get the extension done with Herbig."

This is going to be a difficult situation for the front office to navigate. Highsmith is a menace when he is healthy, but Herbig has consistently proven to be a splash play and turnover machine when given the opportunity. 

Some may believe that Watt should be traded; however, his contract is way too pricey and he is more likely to be a one-helmet guy. Overall, it shouldn't get to Herbig betting on himself. The Steelers know that they have a stud, and allowing him to test free agency would be a terrible mistake.

The Steelers have always valued drafting and developing. Both Herbig and Highsmith came to the NFL with critics, but the duo has proven that it can be extremely formidable professional edge rushers. It's a good problem for Pittsburgh to have; although, it's going to catch up to the organization at some point. The questions revolve around how soon and which player would end up as the odd man out.

Steelers Would Be Making Big Mistake Letting Herbig Go

Pittsburgh could let Herbig play out his rookie deal and then slap the franchise tag on him in 2027. That would be the worst case scenario, but if the Steelers do believe that paying three edge rushers nearly a third of the salary cap isn't worth it, the options become a lot more interesting. 

Herbig could just now be getting ready to enter into the prime of his career, and it would be very uncharacteristic of the organization in the Steel City to simply just let him walk out the door in 2027.

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