The Pittsburgh Steelers reached an agreement Tuesday on a four-year, $100 million contract extension for edge rusher Nick Herbig. The deal, which includes $42 million in guarantees, makes Herbig the first non-quarterback in NFL history to secure a $100 million contract without having started a full season in his career.
The Financial Anomaly of the Herbig Extension
The scale of this commitment reflects a shifting market for elite edge talent, but the specifics of Nick Herbig’s tenure make the numbers jarring. As CBS Sports reported, Herbig has logged only 11 starts across 45 career appearances, never starting more than six games in a single season. Despite this, the Steelers have rewarded him with a deal that values him at $25 million per year.
This isn’t just a reward for past production; it is a strategic hedge. At 24 years old, Herbig represents the future of the defensive front, providing a long-term bridge as the team navigates the later stages of T.J. Watt’s career. By locking Herbig in for four years, the organization ensures they have a rising star under team control long after Watt’s current deal expires.
I wouldn’t call myself ‘not a starter,’ I would just say I’m a team guy. If you need me to play off the ball, on the ball, need me to run down a punt, I’m a Steeler. There’s no starters and backups. I’m a Steeler.
Nick Herbig,
Herbig’s willingness to accept a rotational role while producing high-end numbers has made him an ideal complement to the starters. Just hours before the news broke, Herbig told reporters it was his desire to be a Steeler for life.
The Highsmith Dilemma and the $83 Million Price Tag
The Herbig extension creates a precarious financial hierarchy in Pittsburgh. According to NFL.com, the Steelers have now dedicated $83 million per year to their top three rushers—the second-highest total at the position in the NFL, trailing only Houston.
This creates a glaring disparity in the locker room. T.J. Watt remains the primary asset, earning $32 million fully guaranteed this season. Herbig now enters the fray with a massive new guarantee. Meanwhile, Alex Highsmith—who signed a four-year, $68 million deal in 2023—finds himself as the lowest earner of the trio.
The tension lies in the guarantees. While Watt and Herbig have significant security, Highsmith’s contract stipulates that his $14.5 million scheduled earnings for this season are non-guaranteed. With only two years remaining on his deal and a deep, expensive rotation, Highsmith is potentially the odd man out in a cap-constrained environment.
| Player | Contract Value | Status/Guarantee | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| T.J. Watt | $123 million (3yr) | $32M fully guaranteed (this season) | Primary Starter |
| Nick Herbig | $100 million (4yr) | $42M guaranteed | Rising Rotational/Starter |
| Alex Highsmith | $68 million (4yr) | $14.5M non-guaranteed (this season) | Starter |
Production Metrics Justifying the Investment
From a purely analytical standpoint, the Steelers are betting on a steep upward trajectory. Herbig’s 2025 campaign was a breakout year, where he more than doubled his career tackle for loss total. He finished the season with 7.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and 18 quarterback hits—all of which were career highs.
His efficiency is what truly caught the front office’s eye. Herbig tied Highsmith with 45 QB pressures and maintained a QB pressure rate of 13.7%. His average get-off of 0.84 seconds indicates an explosive first step that translates well regardless of whether he is starting or coming off the bench.
Broader Roster Shifts and Divisional Relief
While the defensive front is the headline, the organization is simultaneously managing a complex quarterback room. Yahoo Sports reported that the team is leveraging the veteran presence of Aaron Rodgers to accelerate the development of younger players, as Rodgers’ experience is viewed as a critical asset in the meeting room.
Obviously, with Aaron Rodgers, the experience and what he brings to the table — I’m not just talking about playing between the white lines, but what he can add to a conversation in the quarterback room — has been extremely valuable for our younger players.
The defensive outlook also receives a psychological boost from external movement in the AFC North. Will Howard recently expressed relief regarding the departure of Myles Garrett from the division, noting the benefit to Pittsburgh’s quarterbacks and offensive line.
Not bad for us. We don’t have to play that beast (Garrett) twice every year. I mean, they’re bringing in a great player in Jared Verse. So, it’s going to create more challenges. But, just looking at it, yeah, it will be nice not to play that dude twice a year.
Will Howard,
The departure of a generational talent like Garrett provides the Steelers with a window of opportunity. By investing heavily in Herbig now, the team is essentially doubling down on their own pass-rush identity to fill the void of dominance in the division. The risk is clear: they have tied up a massive portion of their cap in three players at one position. If the production doesn’t hold, the lack of flexibility for Highsmith could lead to a forced exit to balance the books.
