Pittsburgh Steelers fans, take a deep breath—rising edge rusher Nick Herbig wants to stay in the Steel City for the long haul. While the team's pass-rush situation has sparked plenty of offseason chatter, Herbig's agent recently made it clear that the young star is fully committed to wearing black and gold for life.
The Steelers boast one of the NFL's most formidable edge-rushing trios with T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Herbig. But with Watt and Highsmith combining for over $62 million against the cap in 2026, and Herbig eligible for an extension before hitting free agency in 2027, speculation has swirled about a potential trade—particularly involving Highsmith. Many assumed the Steelers would move Highsmith before the draft, clearing a path for Herbig to step into the No. 2 role and secure a new deal. Yet all three remain on the roster, and Herbig's long-term future remains unresolved.
That uncertainty has fans on edge, but Herbig's agent, Joe DiBendetto, offered reassurance during an interview with Breiden Fehoko. "He's learning from Alex and T.J. from Day One," DiBendetto said. "Without getting into too much of the nuances that is ongoing, Nick wants to be a Pittsburgh Steeler for life, and I hope that we can make that happen."
Financially, a deal seems well within reach. The Steelers project to have roughly $66 million in cap space in 2027, giving them ample room to lock up the Wisconsin product. And Herbig's production speaks for itself: he tallied 7.5 sacks in 2025 and now has 16 career sacks, proving he's more than just a rotational piece. His growth behind two All-Pros has been a masterclass in development, and keeping him in Pittsburgh would solidify the team's pass rush for years to come.
For now, the Steelers have a wealth of talent on the edge—and a rising star who wants to call Pittsburgh home. Whether that means a trade, an extension, or simply running it back with all three, Herbig's loyalty is a promising sign for the franchise's future.
