Steelers May Likely Be Preparing To Part Ways With Defensive Star

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been near elite when it comes to drafting edge rushers over the last decade or so. The franchise is completely loaded in that room entering the 2026 season with TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith leading the way, while Nick Herbig is also a budding star that has made the most out of his limited opportunities. Jack Sawyer is another intriguing outside linebacker who made several splash plays for Pittsburgh during the 2025 season, and he even had a strip-sack during the loss in the postseason to the Houston Texans.

The situation in the outside linebacker room is complicated for Pittsburgh. Watt just signed a new, extremely lucrative extension prior to the 2025 season. There was some conversation amongst the fan base about how it might be better to trade him, and that probably would have been the smarter move for the organization in hindsight. Highsmith is under contract through the 2027 season, while Herbig is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Sawyer of course has three years left on his. 

The franchise could extend Herbig prior to the start of the 2026 season, but that seems unlikely due to the amount of money that is already committed to the position. Beat writer Ray Fittipaldo went on 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday and shared that this means it is probably Herbig's final season in the black and gold.

"I can see them drafting an edge rusher in the middle or later rounds," Fittipaldo said. "Just because, maybe you carry five this year just because you sort of know in the back of your mind that you're probably going to lose Nick Herbig. You know, unless they would make another deal where they would make room for Herbig. This is probably his final year in Pittsburgh."

This is the kind of thing that hurts organizations. In this instance, Pittsburgh would be opting for the older, probably more expensive talent in Watt, which the franchise essentially already decided to do ahead of the 2025 season by giving him an extension. The decision-makers had to have the foresight that this situation would eventually present itself, and Omar Khan and company chose to welcome it anyway.

This situation for Herbig is more complicated than it just being about money. He wants to be paid like the player he has shown that he can be, but he also wants more opportunities. He has been coming off of the bench in relief of Watt or Highsmith for three seasons now, despite the fact that he has shown he would be a starter on all 31 other teams in the league. 

The Steelers would be making a major mistake by allowing a talent like Herbig's to walk right out the door. When a franchise is able to land talent like this through the draft, it has to make a strong effort to keep it with the team. It is hard to build through the draft when guys are not getting second contracts.

Highsmith's deal is up in two years, and there is a world where Pittsburgh could convince Herbig to stick around on a somewhat smaller deal before then. Once Highsmith's contract expires, Herbig would probably be the best pass rusher on the roster, and he'll have a real chance to make a name for himself. However, it would be completely understandable if Herbig does not want to entertain that option at all.

Steelers Have Some Work To Do With The 2023 Draft Class

The rookies that were drafted in 2023 are now eligible for extensions, and the Steelers have several guys that are going to need deals prior to the 2026 season beginning. The obvious priority is lockdown cornerback Joey Porter Jr., while Herbig is another important piece that the organization needs to figure out. Tight end Darnell Washington and defensive tackle Keeanu Benton are also names to consider for new deals, while Spencer Anderson is a dark horse extension candidate.

What do you think will happen with Herbig? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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