Steelers' Dark Horse 2026 Team MVP Candidate Could Force Some Very Uncomfortable Conversations

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a major commitment during the 2026 offseason when General Manager Omar Khan decided to secure the future of rising star pass rusher Nick Herbig. At just 24 years old, Herbig is currently positioned behind TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith on the depth chart, creating one of the most impressive edge rusher groups in the NFL. The Steelers have an embarrassment of riches at the position, with two proven veterans ahead of him and a young defender who has shown he can make a massive impact whenever he gets the opportunity.

The biggest question surrounding Herbig is not whether he has the talent, but how Pittsburgh plans to get him enough opportunities. Watt and Highsmith have consistently been among the league’s best pass rushers, dominating snaps and producing at an elite level. However, every time Herbig has stepped onto the field in limited opportunities, he has delivered splash plays that have caught the attention of the coaching staff and front office. That production is exactly why Khan was willing to invest in him with a four-year, $100 million extension and lock him in as a key part of the Steelers’ future.

With new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham taking over, there is excitement surrounding the creativity and versatility this defense could bring in 2026. A more flexible defensive system could open the door for Herbig to see increased snaps, allowing him to showcase the ability that convinced Pittsburgh he was worth such a significant investment. Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo believes Herbig could be a dark horse candidate for the team’s 2026 MVP award, and if that becomes a reality, it could create some very uncomfortable conversations inside the organization.

"Well, if they go with a defender, how about a guy they just paid? Nick Herbig," Fittipaldo said while speaking on the Steelers Collective. "I think they will find some more snaps for him. He's going to put up better numbers than expected, so that's my dark horse for Steelers team MVP in 2026."

If Herbig ends up being named the Steelers’ most valuable player in 2026, the discussion would immediately shift toward the stars ahead of him. What would it mean for Highsmith if the team’s third edge rusher became its most impactful player? And what would it say about Watt if a younger player behind him had the type of season that captured the spotlight? 

Pittsburgh may have one of the best pass rushing groups in football, but Herbig’s emergence could force the franchise to make some difficult decisions about the future of the position.

Steelers' Elite Edge-Rushing Trio Is Highly Motivated In 2026

It is not a hidden fact that the Steelers are obsessed with building elite pass-rushing defenses. With Graham now in town and plenty of excitement surrounding the potential innovation he can bring to the unit, there is a real expectation that this highly paid and heavily invested Steelers defense can finally live up to its billing in 2026. With Watt, Highsmith, and Herbig all eager to prove their worth, Pittsburgh could have one of the most motivated pass-rushing groups in the league.

Watt enters the season looking to remind the NFL world that he is still one of the best defensive players in football after dealing with injuries and adversity over the past few seasons. Highsmith also has plenty of motivation after watching the player behind him on the depth chart receive a massive contract extension that surpasses his current deal. Meanwhile, Herbig will be determined to prove he is worth every penny of the four-year, $100 million investment the Steelers made in him.

That level of internal competition could create the exact type of problem every NFL team wants to have. Instead of causing division, the competition between three talented edge rushers could push each player to reach another level. If Watt, Highsmith, and Herbig all play with something to prove, Pittsburgh’s defense could become a nightmare matchup for opposing offenses throughout the 2026 season.

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