Steelers Definitely Have Secret Plan Following Big Extension

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been watched closely during the 2026 offseason as the organization had to bring in basically an entirely new coaching staff. On top of that, the franchise put itself in the same position that it was in during the 2025 offseason, where they were waiting for a decision from veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The QB eventually signed, and everyone is now paying attention to the potential extensions that could get done in Pittsburgh. Nick Herbig's new deal got done on Tuesday, and there are several other members of the 2023 draft class that are awaiting their turn too.

The Steelers shocked some fans by getting a deal done with Herbig during mandatory minicamp. Many believed this was a negotiation process that would carry into training camp due to how complicated it could be. Herbig is not a starter currently in Pittsburgh, but he produces, and he would likely start on just about any other team in the league. The franchise was going to have to pay him starter money even though he would be sitting behind Alex Highsmith and TJ Watt, and fans thought that could affect a potential extension.

Former NFL general manager Doug Whaley joined 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday morning, and he was asked several questions about the Steelers and what is currently going on with the team. He believes that the extension shows that new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has a plan.

"They have to have a reasoning for doing this," Whaley said. "The only reason I'm thinking about is, Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham went to Omar [Khan] and said, 'Listen, I have a plan for these three guys. You lock him up, I got a plan for this year. Also, it sets us up for subsequent years. If TJ keeps going down, I can use these two guys to supplement TJ's reps and keep him as fresh as possible. We can relentlessly get after the quarterback.' In part, like some playoff teams, the Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles -- get after the quarterback with four so we can maximize our numbers in coverage. That is the only reason I can think of for the Steelers to pay a guy when they didn't have to."

Whaley seemed to be questioning the decision to extend Herbig and give him $100 million over four years, but he noted that there has to be a reason for it. The Steelers tried to find ways to have Watt, Highsmith, and Herbig on the field at the same time in 2025, and that didn't really become a staple of the defense. Graham must have a better way of accomplishing that.

Having all three on the field would be beneficial, especially in obvious passing situations. Whaley also noted that if Watt continues to decline, Herbig and Highsmith could eventually be the primary edge rushers to preserve Watt's reps. This would be something that could happen in 2027, assuming Highsmith and Watt are still with the team by that time. 

Herbig is going to start for the Steelers eventually. It probably won't be in 2026, but Highsmith is only under contract for two more seasons. Watt is declining statistically in the sacks department, and Herbig seems to wreck plays whenever he is on the field. 

Steelers Kind Of Had To Extend Nick Herbig

Pittsburgh arguably made a bad decision extending Watt prior to the 2025 season, and for a brief moment, he was the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. He only recorded seven sacks in 2025, which forced fans to be critical of the new deal he received prior to the season. Many believe he will bounce back in 2026, but as of right now, the contract does not look good. 

This is why Pittsburgh had to be sure to lock up Herbig. It ensures high level play from the outside linebacker spot, regardless of how Watt plays moving forward.

What do you think about Whaley's thoughts on the new deal for Herbig? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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