Nick Herbig's Agent Drops Clear Hint About His Steelers Future

Pittsburgh Steelers fans have witnessed outside linebacker Nick Herbig make play after play whenever he has had the chance to get on the field. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Herbig entered one of the most crowded and talented outside linebacker rooms in football. With stars like TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith already established as one of the NFL’s premier pass-rushing duos, consistent snaps were always going to be difficult to come by for the young defender. The only realistic path to significant playing time early in his career often came through injuries or rotational opportunities, but Herbig wasted little time proving he belonged whenever his number was called.

Every chance Herbig received seemed to result in a momentum-shifting play. Whether it was getting after the quarterback, generating pressure, or making an impact in the run game, the former Wisconsin standout quickly developed a reputation as a player capable of making splash plays in limited action. That ability has only fueled excitement surrounding his long-term future in Pittsburgh. While Watt and Highsmith remain firmly entrenched as the team’s starters, Herbig has steadily carved out an important role within the defense and appears to be ascending into a legitimate difference-maker. His growth has given the Steelers enviable depth at a premium position while also creating an interesting financial conversation for the organization moving forward.

After the 2026 season, Herbig will become eligible for a new contract, and many around the league believe he could be in line for a significant extension if his development continues on its current trajectory. With the price tag for elite pass rushers only continuing to rise, Pittsburgh may eventually face a difficult decision about how to keep its talented group together. That's why recent comments from Herbig’s agent, Joe DiBenedetto, caught attention when he spoke with former NFL defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko. His remarks offered what many interpreted as a notable glimpse into how Herbig and his camp could be viewing his future with the Steelers.

"I fully believe if Nick was starting full-time in this league, he would be one of the top five edge rushers in football," DiBenedetto said while speaking to Fehoko. "You know, opportunity is everything, right? He gets to learn from Alex and TJ from day one. Not getting into too many of those nuances that are ongoing, but Nick wants to be a Pittsburgh Steeler for life, and I hope that we can make that happen."

It’s no secret that coming into a room with two of the league’s most elite pass rushers and getting to learn under them helped Herbig develop. DiBenedetto made it sound like the Steelers understand exactly what they have in Herbig and that a deal will eventually get done. 

He also made it sound like Herbig knows what he has in Pittsburgh. The Steelers also do not negotiate with players during the season, so that is something to monitor as the 2026 offseason rolls on.

"I am excited to see what he can do in this Mike McCarthy defense," DiBenedetto said. "Mike did some elite things with players like Nick in Green Bay and in Dallas, so I am super excited to see that."

The Steelers also have another intriguing young pass rusher waiting in the wings after selecting Jack Sawyer in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Like Herbig, Sawyer entered Pittsburgh as a developmental prospect with upside, giving the organization yet another talented edge rusher to mold behind proven veterans.

Steelers' Edge Group Is Among The Strongest In The NFL

With Watt and Highsmith leading the way, along with Herbig continuing to emerge and Sawyer now entering the mix, Pittsburgh’s outside linebacker room is loaded with both star power and long-term potential. Few teams across the NFL can match that kind of depth at one of the league’s most important defensive positions.

If Herbig ultimately signs an extension in Pittsburgh, the Steelers could keep one of the strongest outside linebacker groups in football intact for years to come. That kind of stability off the edge is exactly what has helped define the identity of this defense for years.

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