Steelers Insider 'Confident' In Nick Herbig's Trade Status

The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense was below standard in 2025. One of the biggest bright spots of the defense, though, was outside linebacker Nick Herbig. The University of Wisconsin product saw a drastic role increase. With that, he set a career high in sacks and was dominant at times. He didn't get a ton of playing time, as the Steelers are loaded at edge rusher. However, when TJ Watt was injured, he saw a bigger role and was able to capitalize. Herbig has used his undersized frame and speed to his advantage, and continues to get better. 

Herbig was a fourth-round pick in 2023 and was expected to be a depth piece with some upside. However, he's turned into much more throughout his tenure. His rookie contract is set to expire after the 2026 season. The Steelers have a big choice to make on whether or not they want to spend big money on three elite edge rushers, or if they'll let a budding star depart the team. The issue will be with money, not the fact that the team would not want him back, but several of Pittsburgh's key players are set to be free agents in 2027, which will make the decision even more difficult. 

There has been speculation about whether the front office would deal Herbig in an effort to get something out of him if they felt threatened that he would leave after this season. However, Steelers insider Bob Labriola denied these rumors. He responded to a fan's question on Herbig's trade status in his May 19th edition of Asked and Answered. 

"I am confident Nick Herbig will not be traded going into what will be his fourth NFL season. There is a lot of speculation out there in the ether that I choose not to dignify by mentioning it here," Labriola wrote.

The Steelers have made it clear that they want to compete this year. Keeping Herbig on his rookie deal would give them a great chance to do that. He has been productive, and with the depth that the edge rusher room has, it makes the most sense to keep him around. Also, it gives the front office more leverage if they try to re-sign him. 

Herbig's ever-improving sack numbers are one of the reasons why he could be so effective in a larger role. If he were to be re-signed, it would be hard for him to get more snaps. That's one of the justifications of trading him; however, he has proven too valuable. The Steelers' front office is more than likely at a similar crossroads. The team has a lot invested in Watt and Alex Highsmith, making this even tougher. However, keeping Herbig would be a move for the future, as Watt is aging, and after last season, there are some concerns about a potential decline. With Highsmith, the Steelers gave him a decent sum of money for his services, and he would likely have to be traded to move on from him. 

What's The Steelers' Plan With The Edge Rushers?

As mentioned, the Steelers are in a predicament with their edge rush talent. The franchise cornerstone, Watt, is under a massive contract that will be difficult to move on from. A team wouldn't trade for his contract, and Pittsburgh might not want to move on from him. Herbig could be franchise tagged, but that would mean that keeping him would cost a lot of money. It wouldn't make sense for a player who is considered the third-best at his position on the team. 

This will be a big year for Herbig to increase his market. Pittsburgh will have to figure out how to keep him, money-wise, but it will be difficult. The 24-year-old pass rusher could be in for a huge payday.