The Pittsburgh Steelers are consistent competitors. A busy offseason spent building the roster helped Mike McCarthy assemble a team capable of contending during the upcoming campaign. On Tuesday, the front office took another step toward securing the franchise’s future by agreeing to a four-year, $100 million extension with Nick Herbig.Â
And it’s music to my ears.
Paying big bucks to a rotational edge rusher seems risky. Most teams hesitate before handing out that kind of money to someone who isn’t a full-time starter. But Herbig isn’t an ordinary defensive player. And the Steelers clearly understand that.
Recently, Herbig has proven he's far more than a backup. Last season, his three forced fumbles ranked seventh among edge rushers. He’s compiled 13 sacks in two seasons. Most notably, he recorded 7.5 sacks while frequently filling in for T.J. Watt last campaign.
Of course, Watt is still the captain of the ship. He remains one of the most dominant defensive players in football. And it’s difficult to imagine Herbig outright stealing Watt’s starting role anytime soon.
However, the extension sends a very clear message.
The Steelers aren’t just focused on winning in 2026. They’re already planning for what comes next.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are convinced Nick Herbig is worth the investment
Herbig’s new deal carries an average annual value of $25 million. This ranks just outside the top 15 highest-paid edge rushers, per Over the Cap. More importantly, he’s under contract through the 2030 season.
The timing makes plenty of sense. Watt will turn 32 during the upcoming season. While he’s still playing at an elite level, the NFL is unforgiving. Edge rushers eventually slow down, regardless of how dominant they’ve been throughout their careers.
That’s why having a younger successor already in place is a smart move.
The Steelers didn’t wait for uncertainty to arrive. Instead, they identified a player that can carry the torch and rewarded him before his price climbed even higher.
It helps that Herbig already has experience in the locker room and defensive scheme. He’s been developed in Pittsburgh’s system and has consistently produced when opportunities arise.
I think that’s what makes this extension so exciting.
Yes, it rewards a productive player. But more importantly, it signals that Omar Khan and the Steelers have a plan beyond the present. They aren’t waiting for a crisis at outside linebacker. Instead, Khan is preparing for the future while still competing for a championship today.
That’s a message every Steelers fan should be excited to hear.
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