"It's My Desire To Be A Steeler For Life": Nick Herbig Is Learning The Business Side As He 'Holds In'

When the Pittsburgh Steelers used their fourth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to select edge rusher Nick Herbig, there was some optimism surrounding the move. However, no one truly expected Herbig to become a rising star so quickly. That was mainly because the Steelers' edge rusher room was already well established with TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith leading the way. Anytime Highsmith has dealt with injury concerns, Herbig has gotten the nod; and whenever he's on the field, he has a knack for making major splash plays.

The conversations surrounding the 24-year-old edge rusher have been interesting as he enters the final year of his four-year rookie deal. Herbig will now be seeking a significant payday for the production he has shown whenever he's been given opportunities. It helps his side of negotiations that he hasn't even received all that many chances; yet, every time he's been called upon, he's delivered impact plays. 

That's a strong selling point for Herbig and his representatives as extension talks eventually heat up. The most exciting news for Steeler Nation, however, is that when Herbig spoke to the media on Tuesday via Steelers insider Mike DeFabo, he made it clear where he hopes to finish his NFL career.

"It's my desire to be a Steeler for life," Herbig said while speaking to the Pittsburgh media during Tuesday's practice. "I am just here getting right for the season, getting ready, keeping my body in shape, and staying ready to go."

Herbig was then asked if his teammate in Watt, who has a great track record of landing top-of-the-market deals, has given him any advice. 

Herbig made it clear that he has, but he's here to talk football.

"Yeah, I mean business is business. I am a football player, and I am here for football," Herbig said. "I try to keep my business separated from football as much as I can."

When a player is up for a new deal, it's really hard to keep the business side of things away from the football side of things. That's what Herbig is trying to do, and luckily, his agent seems to be handling things so far. He did report to mandatory minicamp, but appears to be operating with a soft hold-in. He's been in full uniform, but has not participated in team drills during the open portions of practice so far.

Steelers' Defense Expected To Make Major Noise In 2026

He skipped Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in what head coach Mike McCarthy called a business decision. One thing is clear at this juncture and it is that the Steelers' new defensive coordinator, Patrick Graham, is expected to help turn this defense around and maximize the talent on the roster in ways the previous staff wasn't able to. 

To do that, he needs a fully focused Herbig, and it will be exciting to see how Graham plans to utilize the luxury he has on the defensive side of the football. Steelers fans will have to wait to learn more about Herbig's situation.

For now, he's saying all the right things, but as football fans know, situations like this can change quickly. Until then, all signs point toward both sides hoping to find a way to keep the rising pass rusher in Pittsburgh for the long haul.

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