Steelers Make Massive Move To Sign Nick Herbig To $100 Million Contract

Pittsburgh Steelers fans have been closely watching the contract situation surrounding rising pass rusher Nick Herbig. After making a small business decision at the start of organized team activities, Herbig reported to mandatory minicamp but did not fully participate in team drills, leaving some wondering when a deal would get done.

On Tuesday, NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the Steelers and Herbig agreed to a four-year contract extension, keeping the young defender in Pittsburgh for the foreseeable future. While it was expected that Herbig would eventually get paid, the size of the deal is larger than many anticipated. 

"Edge Nick Herbig and the Pittsburgh Steelers reached agreement today on a four-year, $100 million dollar extension that includes $42 million guaranteed per @MikeGarafolo and me," Schefter said. "The deal was negotiated by Joe DiBenedetto, Andy Simms and Ken Sarnoff of @1OF1FOOTBALL"

The extension is another sign of General Manager Omar Khan's commitment to retaining the team's young core on defense. With Herbig's deal now complete, many Steelers fans are already turning their attention to cornerback Joey Porter Jr., whose eventual extension should command an even bigger payday. Porter came into the league in the same draft class as Herbig and now the two have a real chance to grow up in the Steel City for the foreseeable future.

In Herbig’s case, he has done a strong job of taking advantage of every opportunity that has come his way. He entered the NFL in 2023 as a fourth-round pick into a crowded and star-studded edge rusher room featuring TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, but he remained patient and continued to develop.

Despite limited opportunities early on, Herbig steadily earned more playing time, with many believing he needed to be on the field more consistently. That internal evaluation ultimately matched what the Steelers saw in him on the field. It turns out the organization agreed in a major way, rewarding him with a $42 million guarantee as part of a $100 million extension, a clear sign of their belief in his long-term role within the defense.

Steelers Migh Have A Star In Nick Herbig

At first, Steelers fans were not quite certain what the team had in the young edge rusher. He flashed obvious upside and consistently made splash plays, but early on some believed that production was a result of opponents not having much tape on him.

As time went on and his opportunities remained limited, Herbig continued to show up in key moments and steadily proved those flashes were no fluke. His consistency in a rotational role began to change the perception of his value within the defense.

That steady rise is exactly why the organization was unwilling to risk losing him. Instead of waiting to see if the production would fade, the Steelers locked him in as part of their long-term plans on the edge. Now Steelers Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham can rest easy knowing his 24 year old pass rusher will be taken care of.

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