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A training camp standoff resolved itself Tuesday before it could really get started. The Pittsburgh Steelers and edge rusher Nick Herbig agreed to a four-year, $100 million extension with $42 million guaranteed.
Herbig had skipped Pittsburgh’s first two weeks of organized team activities before arriving at mandatory minicamp, where he held out of on-field work while talks continued. He kept it brief when asked. “Business is business,” Herbig told reporters. “I’m a football player. I’m here for football. I try to keep business separated from football as much as I can.”
The 24-year-old came into the league as a fourth-round pick in 2023 and spent his first three seasons working behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. When given opportunities, he delivered. His 2025 campaign produced a career-high 7.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and 18 quarterback hits in 15 games.
Aug 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) warms up against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports
Pro Football Focus graded him 86.7 overall, seventh among all qualifying edge defenders. He also led every edge rusher in pass-rush win rate at 25%. His career totals sit at 79 tackles, 16 sacks, an interception, and nine forced fumbles.
The contract carries a footnote worth noting: it is believed to be the first non-quarterback deal to exceed $100 million without the player having started a full NFL season. At $25 million annually, Herbig becomes the third piece of a pass-rush payroll. Pittsburgh has committed roughly $83 million per year across Watt, Highsmith, and Herbig, second-highest in the NFL behind Houston.
Sep 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) sacks Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Taylor Heinicke (8) during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Head coach Mike McCarthy noted the situation squarely before resolution. “In Nick’s case, he’s been in constant communication with us,” McCarthy said. “He’s done the things necessary, but he’s in a business situation.”
Pittsburgh enters 2026 under new coaching with Aaron Rodgers in what he’s called his final season as the team’s quarterback. The offensive questions are obvious and ongoing. But getting the edge rusher room sorted out early, and locking in one of the position’s ascending names before he tests a market that clearly would have paid him, signals where this front office’s priorities actually sit.
The post Steelers make Nick Herbig richest pass rusher never to start a full season appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
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Herbig had skipped Pittsburgh’s first two weeks of organized team activities before arriving at mandatory minicamp, where he held out of on-field work while talks continued. He kept it brief when asked. “Business is business,” Herbig told reporters. “I’m a football player. I’m here for football. I try to keep business separated from football as much as I can.”
The 24-year-old came into the league as a fourth-round pick in 2023 and spent his first three seasons working behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. When given opportunities, he delivered. His 2025 campaign produced a career-high 7.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and 18 quarterback hits in 15 games.
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Aug 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) warms up against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports
Pro Football Focus graded him 86.7 overall, seventh among all qualifying edge defenders. He also led every edge rusher in pass-rush win rate at 25%. His career totals sit at 79 tackles, 16 sacks, an interception, and nine forced fumbles.
What Herbig’s historic $100M deal means for Pittsburgh’s pass-rush outlook
The contract carries a footnote worth noting: it is believed to be the first non-quarterback deal to exceed $100 million without the player having started a full NFL season. At $25 million annually, Herbig becomes the third piece of a pass-rush payroll. Pittsburgh has committed roughly $83 million per year across Watt, Highsmith, and Herbig, second-highest in the NFL behind Houston.
You must be registered for see images attach
Sep 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) sacks Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Taylor Heinicke (8) during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Head coach Mike McCarthy noted the situation squarely before resolution. “In Nick’s case, he’s been in constant communication with us,” McCarthy said. “He’s done the things necessary, but he’s in a business situation.”
Pittsburgh enters 2026 under new coaching with Aaron Rodgers in what he’s called his final season as the team’s quarterback. The offensive questions are obvious and ongoing. But getting the edge rusher room sorted out early, and locking in one of the position’s ascending names before he tests a market that clearly would have paid him, signals where this front office’s priorities actually sit.
The post Steelers make Nick Herbig richest pass rusher never to start a full season appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
Continue reading...
