The Pittsburgh Steelers entered this season with their edge depth chart as one of the best on paper. T.J. Watt was just paid and is a perennial defensive MVP candidate. Alex Highsmith is a stalwart second edge rusher who is great against the run.
Not only were the starters great, but the depth is equally great. Nick Herbig has proven to be an explosive sack artist, while Jack Sawyer, while unproven, has untapped upside.
While we have seen Watt play his usual dominant football and Highsmith continue his steady play, Herbig has been a true standout. With a lingering injury to Highsmith, Herbig has started the past two games (and played a large portion of the week two loss as well). During that time, he has compiled 2.5 sacks and a key interception.
Simply put, Herbig looks like a different caliber of player.
While that is great for the immediate needs on defense, it does cause a few long-term challenges that the Steelers will have to cross. Right now, Herbig is forcing the team to make some tough decisions.
Nick Herbig is making his case to start for the Pittsburgh Steelers
While having three starter-quality edge rushers is quite the luxury, it makes the long-term outlook of the room difficult to work around. Watt isn’t going anywhere, and Highsmith is on a pretty team-friendly deal considering how expensive the edge rusher market is.
Herbig is in the third year of his rookie deal. He is eligible for an extension next year and will be a free agent in 2027. While you still have a year and a half of control, locking him up long-term is another story.
As stated, the edge rusher market is a hot one right now. Highsmith’s $17 million a year is on the low end for a proven starter, as it ranks alongside the likes of Chase Young and Bryce Huff (more situational pass rushers).
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It is hard to willingly part ways with him at that price. While fans are quick to complain, Highsmith is genuinely a good starter. While you can argue that Herbig is better right now, that is a testament to Herbig’s development, not Highsmith’s ability.
Herbig is going to want to get paid next offseason, and rightfully so. The hard question comes down to the money involved. I don’t see him taking less than 17 million a season, and 20 million isn’t out of the question.
How does Highsmith react to that deal? You can keep all three on new deals for at least one year, but snap counts and angst could come into play for all sides.
And if Herbig truly breaks out this year with double-digit sacks? Look out, as he could demand a Brinks truck for his next deal.
Navigating these waters is tricky, and Herbig is certainly not making the choice easy. You want to keep your talented players, but a new deal for Herbig has a big ripple effect. Resolving this situation promptly is essential for this organization.