"They Would Franchise Tag Him": Steelers Won't Make Massive Mistake With Nick Herbig

The pride of the Pittsburgh Steelers has always been built on defense, especially through the edge rushers. There have been some great edge rushers in recent memory to play for the franchise: TJ Watt, James Harrison, Joey Porter Sr., and even Alex Highsmith has been one of the higher-tier players for a few seasons now. They have a rising star in Nick Herbig, who is just waiting to have that breakout season. Herbig is a bit injury-prone, but when he does play, he is arguably the team's best pass rusher outside of Watt, making consistent splash plays from game to game.

Part of what has been holding Herbig back is his snap count totals. Due to being a part of a stacked position group, Herbig doesn't get his fair share of snaps, with most of them going to Watt and Highsmith. Both of those players will be back next season, meaning likely more of the same for Herbig, who will be stuck as the third edge rusher. Herbig is going into his fourth season, which is also a contract year. As he looks for an extension, it's unclear what his price tag is, but he is expected to want starter-level money. This would spell trouble for the Steelers' cap space. They are already paying two edge rushers big money. Three would be excessive, which could mean Herbig hits free agency. 

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly recently appeared on his show Kaboly + Mack, where they discussed the Steelers and potential extensions. Kaboly lets Steelers fans know that he doesn't believe the team will let Herbig hit free agency, barring some collapse or an injury-riddled season, and that the team will find any means necessary to keep him a Steeler. Herbig is entering his prime and has the potential to be an excellent edge rusher; perhaps more snaps could prove that potential. 

"I don't think they would let him hit free agency; depends on what the year is like. I think they would franchise tag him next year and hopefully sign him to a long-term deal if he has one of those years," Kaboly said.

Not only is Herbig a young edge rusher on the rise, but the two starters they already have are beginning to age. Watt is 31, and his play is showing serious signs of decline. He still has two years left on his deal, but recent reports suggest he could be out earlier than that. 

Highsmith is just 28, still in his prime, but he also often gets injured and can't be relied on to be healthy for an entire season. Paying Herbig would give them security at the position if any injuries occur. 

Steelers Really Need To Keep Herbig

It's no secret that Mike Tomlin's scheme on defense relied heavily on the edge rushers to make plays. At one point, it worked; the defense was elite in 2019 and 2020, but now they are older. Watt can't be relied on anymore to be Superman, and Highsmith will likely never be on Watt's level, which is okay. So that leaves the Steelers with no choice but to re-sign Herbig, who is their best future hope at the edge position currently.

Good edge rushers aren't easy to come by; the Steelers are lucky to have three of them. With Watt likely being gone soon, and perhaps Highsmith too, who also has two years left on his deal, re-signing Herbig is a no-brainer. If the speculation of his potential is right, he could become one of the top-tier pass rushers in the NFL. Hopefully, the new coaching staff can find more snaps for Herbig, so Steeler Nation can really see what he's made of.  

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