Steelers Worry About Tension Brewing Between Upset Alex Highsmith And Expensive Nick Herbig

The Pittsburgh Steelers made the decision on Tuesday afternoon to sign Nick Herbig to a four-year extension worth up to $100 million. That's an expensive sum to pay a non-starting edge rusher, but it speaks volumes about how general manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike McCarthy view Herbig's impact. When Herbig was selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, few could have predicted the splash plays that would follow.

The only issue Herbig has faced in the NFL is one completely out of his control. He's stuck on a team featuring TJ Watt, one of the most dominant edge rushers in the league, and Alex Highsmith, who is a Pro Bowl-caliber pass rusher in his own right. 

Highsmith has never earned that honor, largely because of injuries and the fact that he's spent much of his career playing alongside Watt. Even so, Highsmith has consistently proven to be a disruptive force, and when he and Watt are both on the field, the Steelers' pass rush is typically among the league's best.

However, every time Highsmith missed time, Herbig stepped in and delivered. Turnover after turnover, splash play after splash play, he quickly became a force to be reckoned with. 

Mike Tomlin was often criticized for not finding more snaps for Herbig, but the reality is that it's difficult when there's so much talent in one position room. Now, Herbig will be making more money than the player who starts ahead of him, and Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo believes Highsmith isn't exactly thrilled about that reality.

"You guys can not tell me that there is not going to be an interesting locker room dynamic with Nick Herbig making more than Alex Highsmith," Fittipaldo said. "Alex cant be happy about this and when you talk about snaps and playing time. that is going to play into it too. This is tricky tricky situation."

Mark Kaboly joked with Fittipaldo shortly after after he suggested Highsmith isn't going to be happy about the situation. 

Kaboly essentially told Fittipaldo, good luck getting Highsmith to say anything negative publicly, a testament to Highsmith's exceptional, football-business-driven mindset.

"He's not going to come out and say anything publicly, but believe me he's thinking this stuff," Fittipaldo said.

Steelers' Highsmith Reacts To Herbig's Massive Extension

It's important to note, however, that Highsmith took to his Instagram Story to re-share a post announcing Herbig's extension. Along with it, Highsmith added a simple one-word message: "Earned."

It's difficult to view that as the reaction of someone who is angry. What is known about Highsmith is that he is an exceptional leader in his own unique way. He's all about business. He never creates issues in the media, always says the right things, and that's how he leads. His teammates respect him, and he's widely regarded as a great person, which makes the idea of him being upset an interesting one.

At the same time, Fittipaldo's point does make some sense. Highsmith is playing on a team-friendly deal, and now the Steelers have handed a massive contract to the player behind him on the depth chart, a deal that Highsmith himself never received. That's just how the market works sometimes in the business world that is the NFL.

Ultimately, this situation reflects how the NFL operates, where production, timing, and contracts collab, creating tension, respect, and opportunity within elite position groups competing for roles and recognition daily basis.

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