Nick Herbig contract details: Steelers hand out massive extension

The Pittsburgh Steelers have three highly productive edge rushers. Now they have three highly paid ones as well.

Outside linebacker Nick Herbig agreed to a four-year, $100 million contract with the team on June 2, according to multiple reports. The deal includes $42 million guaranteed.

Herbig, 24, was set to enter the final year of his rookie contract.

A fourth-round pick out of Wisconsin in 2023, Herbig has excelled in limited work operating behind starters T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. He recorded a career-high 7 1/2 sacks in 2025, when he also led all edge rushers in pass-rush win rate at 25%, according to ESPN.

Despite starting just six games, Herbig tied Highsmith for the team lead in pressures with 45 and bested Watt, the four-time All-Pro selection and 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, in pressure rate (13.7% to 10.1%), according to Next Gen Stats.

Highsmith is signed through 2027, though he has no guaranteed money left on his deal, while Watt is under contract through 2028.

Prior to the agreement, Herbig did not participate in individual drills during Tuesday's organized team activity.

"Business is business," Herbig told reporters, according to ESPN. "I'm a football player. I'm here for football. I try to keep business separated from football as much as I can."

New Steelers coach Mike McCarthy expressed confidence in the edge rusher amid the since-resolved standoff.

"In Nick's case, he's been in constant communication with us," McCarthy told reporters Tuesday. "... He's done the things necessary, but he's in a business situation. It's no different than any of our players."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nick Herbig contract details: Steelers shell out massive deal