Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy Detailed Why Pittsburgh Invested Even More In Their Most Dominant Unit

The Pittsburgh Steelers have spent a lot of money across the last few seasons on their defense. That trend has gone into the moves of acquiring Jalen Ramsey, retaining Cameron Heyward, and a handful of other moves. As we know, the Steelers entered the offseason with a few players that were looking for new contracts. Notably, star cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has had a lot of talk around his name for a new contract, which could get done very soon. Along with him, outside linebacker Nick Herbig was seeking a big contract -- and he got it. He recently signed a very large contract worth $100 million with $42 million guaranteed. 

Herbig's extension is a big deal to the organization as he is currently third on the depth chart behind stars TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith. Regardless of the starting spot, Herbig has made a gigantic impact and has said, "I want to be a Steeler for life."  He was very deserving of a big contract and keeping him in this organization was a good move.

While every position on the field plays a major role into the overall production of a team, edge rushers standout. If they get around and disrupt the quarterback or contain the run to the middle of the field, it prevents splash plays, making that group extremely important to a roster. Their value has reflected their price and it seems as if the Steelers value them more than most teams. Over the last few years, Pittsburgh has handed out a lot of money to edge rushers. Watt signed a contract worth $123 million over three years and Highsmith signed an extension worth $68 million. That's a high amount for two starters, let alone handing out another nine-figure deal to Herbig, who's snaps are limited by the stars in front of him. 

Newly hired head coach Mike McCarthy also believes that this is a premier position in football. That warrants an expensive group, especially when a team also has arguably the best unit in the league. McCarthy is a firm believer in his edge rushers, considering them at the top of the NFL. He spoke with reporter Chris Adamski on Wednesday.

"It’s a premier position in the National Football League," McCarthy stated. "And we feel like we have one of there premier groups."

There's a lot of trust within the staff and front office with this unit considering the price it required to have all three players locked into long-term deals. The impact that they make warrants the costs and Pittsburgh has seen that these last few seasons. The price spent on these three stars doesn't even include Jack Sawyer, another edge rusher that has delivered a big impact early in his career. With more playing time and development, he could be another high-salaried player with his production and importance on the field.

Having all three has limited what the Steelers can spend elsewhere. They have done a great job building around their edge rushers, but it definitely has made things difficult with financial constraints. For that reason, there is some speculation that Pittsburgh may attempt to unload one of their contracts between Watt or Highsmith. Some reports have suggested that the Steelers have fielded calls on Highsmith this offseason, but nothing has transpired out of those rumors.

Steelers Must Figure Out Long-Term Plan At OLB

Time will tell what happens with the Steelers' edge rushers, but as it sits now, they have a premier group. McCarthy believes this unit is elite and the money handed out to the them reflects that status. 

Whether it's Watt, Highsmith, or Herbig, Pittsburgh has a very dominant group in one of the most important positions on the field.

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