Steelers' Nick Herbig Voices Strong Plea To Omar Khan

Pittsburgh Steelers fans watched as backup edge rusher Nick Herbig was handed a four-year extension worth up to $100 million. That's a significant investment for a player who currently sits behind TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith on the depth chart. However, the Steelers are clearly banking on Herbig taking another leap in 2026 and beyond. If that happens, they'll likely view the deal as a bargain. Of course, there is risk involved, but teams often have to either pay players early or risk paying much more later, or even losing them in free agency. In this case, Steelers General Manager Omar Khan clearly felt locking up Herbig was a priority for this new era under Mike McCarthy, and he acted accordingly.

Shortly afterward, Khan struck another major deal by signing 2023 third-round pick Darnell Washington to a four-year, $42 million extension. Once again, that's a sizable commitment to a player who is technically a backup behind Pat Freiermuth. However, Washington emerged as a special talent during the 2025 season. If he becomes more involved in the passing game, his massive frame and rare athleticism could make him one of the league's most unique tight ends. Defenders often have to make business decisions when he's charging at them. It'll be interesting to see how Washington's role expands now that he's signed his extension.

Many assume Joey Porter Jr. will also command top-of-the-market cornerback money, which could exceed Herbig's extension. Then there's Keeanu Benton, whose market could reportedly reach $16-18 million annually, according to some Steelers pundits. Extending all four members of the 2023 draft class during the 2026 offseason would carry some risk, but in the long run, it could save the Steelers money while keeping the core of that class intact. As of now, it would cost Pittsburgh a ton of coin at once. Herbig recently spoke with Chris Adamski via Trib Live and effectively sent a strong message in Khan's direction.

"I’d love to keep that whole (2023 draft) class here," Herbig said. "It was our class that really set it off, and I think we got a bunch of dogs in there. I’m excited."

Herbig's comments effectively sent a strong message to Khan, who has already shown a willingness to reward members of that draft class early. If Khan follows through with extensions for Porter and Benton, the Steelers could have the foundation of their next era in place for the foreseeable future.

It also speaks to how important that 2023 draft class has become in a short amount of time. What started as just another rookie group has quickly turned into the backbone of the roster on both sides of the ball. You can already see how much trust the coaching staff has in these guys, and the front office seems to feel the same way. Clearly Herbig wants to see Khan keep this group intact as well since he believes they started the momentum.

Steelers Acting Aggressive In Locking Up Young Talent

The Steelers have been pretty aggressive in locking up their young talent before things get expensive, and that strategy is starting to take shape right in front of everyone. It is not without risk because you are betting on future production instead of just what has already been proven, but that is kind of how teams stay competitive in the modern NFL. 

If even two or three of these extensions end up aging well, it changes the outlook of the roster completely. 

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