Steelers, edge rusher Nick Herbig reportedly agree to $100M deal with $42M guaranteed

The Pittsburgh Steelers and edge rusher Nick Herbig have agreed to a four-year, $100 million contract extension that includes $42 million in guaranteed money, NFL Network and ESPN report.

Details of the deal aren't clear. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that it's actually for five years and with a total potential value $103.7 million. Regardless, the Steelers have prioritized investing in their young pass rusher.

Herbig, a fourth-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, is approaching his fourth NFL season. He tallied a career-high 7.5 sacks last season as a part-time starter.

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Can Herbig continue to ascend?

Herbig's role and production have increased steadily since his 2023 rookie campaign and, with his new deal, the Steelers clearly view him as a core member of their defense moving forward. He's been a disruptive defender in his limited role and has demonstrated the upside for higher production if given the opportunity.

Nick Herbig now has $42 million in guarantees after playing the first three years of a four-year, $4.5 million rookie deal.USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect / REUTERS

Herbig tallied 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 3 quarterbacks hits in 2023 as a rookie while playing all 17 Steelers games off the bench. He made five starts in 13 games in 2024, tallying 5.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and 11 quarterback hits.

Last season, Herbig started in six of the 15 games he played, posting 7.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 3 passes defended, 18 quarterback hits and 13 tackles for loss. He also returned a fumble for a touchdown.

That's upside the Steelers decided to invest in ahead of the final year of Herbig's, four-year, $4.5 million rookie deal.

Will Herbig be part of a rebuild in Pittsburgh?

Herbig will sign his new deal amid a transitional period for the Steelers, who will play next season under first-year head coach Mike McCarthy amid what Aaron Rodgers says will be his final season as Pittsburgh's quarterback.

Beyond this upcoming season, Pittsburgh's long-term outlook is murky. The Steelers have been reluctant to rebuild, a process that's resulted in 22 straight seasons without a losing record, but zero playoff wins since 2016.

Whether or not the Steelers engage in a rebuild in the post-Rodgers and post-Mike Tomlin era, they view Herbig as part of their future.