Steelers And Nick Herbig Get Strong Wake Up Call: "I Just Don't Know"

The Pittsburgh Steelers came into the 2026 offseason with some key extensions on the table as the 2023 draft class is eligible to get paid. The front office nailed that draft and there are several contributors who are looking for money. General Manager Omar Khan and his staff have some big decisions to make when it comes to who they'll make a priority to retain and who they're okay with letting go. These decisions will be vital in how the Steelers' future roster and position groups will shake out. 

A key player who is due for a new contract is former fourth-round pick Nick Herbig. Herbig has been a huge part of the Steelers' pass rush, even with his limited snaps. He is sort of the odd man out within the "three-headed monster" of edge rushers that Pittsburgh has. He is extremely quick and uses his, often times called undersized, frame to his advantage. Herbig's upside is what captivates fans, and if his role increased, he could be a future star. 

However, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly doesn't seem to be convinced of Herbig's ability to be a long-term answer for Pittsburgh. He talked about it on an episode of Kaboly + Mack. 

"I'm just saying, I just don't know if you're 100% confident in the Nick Herbig from what you've seen to offer him $100 million over four years," Kaboly said. "You've seen him play what, 600 snaps in a season at the most?  How about if he gets to 1200, and 600 to 1100 are just average?" 

While the sample size is small, it's clear that Herbig's high motor is what makes his game strong. When star TJ. Watt was out with an injury in 2025, Herbig made his presence known. He was able to take on an expanded role and play well. Obviously, this was just for a short period of time before Watt made his way back, but it proved he could be a starter. Could he make it through a full season as a starter? That is what's up in the air, but Pittsburgh won't know until they find out. 

While it will be tough for Herbig to find a starter role with Pittsburgh, he could remain with the team as its number one depth piece. The Steelers' pass rush is consistently among the league's best, and plenty of depth there would be a good thing. 

The Steelers have been speculated to trade one of their edge rushers before the season. It's increasingly unlikely that would happen, as the group they have currently proved to be a difference maker. But Herbig's contract could be a huge decision for Pittsburgh. The organization is projected to have a lot of cap space in 2027, and they may spend some of it to keep him in the Steel City. The question is, how much are the Steelers willing to spend on their pass rush?

In a division like the AFC North, defense is a huge part of winning interdivisional football games. The Steelers have found themselves in many defensive battles with their rivals over the years. Having depth, especially later in the season, like Herbig, is huge and even bigger when it comes to those grueling AFC North games. It is definitely worth heavy consideration from the front office to extend Herbig. 

Steelers Might Be Holding Herbig Back

Herbig's limited snaps throughout his tenure in Pittsburgh are based solely on the level of competition he faces on the Steelers' roster. His skill is clearly there, but if he wants an expanded role, it probably won't be wearing the Black and Gold. The franchise has a lot of money invested in its existing edge rushers, and they're proven. There are still some questions with Herbig. 

If Herbig thinks that he can be another team's star pass rusher and increase his playing time, then that is more than likely the direction he'll go. He has the opportunity to make a lot of money, and Pittsburgh could be reluctant to pay three guys at the same position a fortune. 

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