Steelers’ Sign Nick Herbig To 4-Year, $100M Extension – What Does It Mean For The Team?

Nick Herbig and the Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to a massive contract extension following his breakout 2025 season.

Herbig signed a four-year, $100 million extension, including $42 million guaranteed. The deal keeps the 24-year-old in Pittsburgh through the 2030 season and solidifies him as a cornerstone of the Steelers’ defense, which needs younger talent.

The agreement comes after Herbig emerged as one of the NFL’s most productive young pass rushers. Despite starting only six games in 2025, Herbig had a career-high 7.5 sacks, including an interception in Week 2 of the 2025-26 NFL season against the Seattle Seahawks.

Herbig was drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of the University of Wisconsin. Over his first three NFL seasons, he recorded 79 tackles and 16 sacks.​

This extension also gives the Steelers confidence in his role moving forward. There will now be speculation about whether Pittsburgh could trade one of its other edge rushers, such as T.J. Watt or Alex Highsmith. The contract negotiations became a major storyline after Herbig missed portions of organized team activities while seeking a new deal.

Both sides ultimately agreed on a deal, ending the holdout. Coaches have praised Herbig’s work ethic, versatility and team-first mentality. Whether it’s lining up at the wide-nine edge rusher spot, dropping into coverage or contributing on special teams, Herbig has embraced every role asked of him in Pittsburgh.

For Pittsburgh, signing a young player like Herbig is a positive step for the future. The Steelers recently hired head coach Mike McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native, and will have Aaron Rodgers for another year. It remains to be seen how the team will perform come regular season and playoff time.