Steelers’ Massive Deal Could Suddenly Spark Trade Calls

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a loud statement when they recently locked up one of their young defensive pieces, but the rest of the NFL may have heard something else entirely. Pittsburgh’s latest investment at outside linebacker could put other teams on alert and make Omar Khan’s phone line much more interesting.

The Steelers agreed to a massive extension with Nick Herbig, committing major money to a player who had been sitting behind TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith on the depth chart. Herbig has already shown enough burst, production, and upside to be viewed as a key part of Pittsburgh’s future, but paying him like a cornerstone piece raises an obvious question: how long can the Steelers keep all three star edge rushers?

That is where NFL insider Mike Florio believes the rest of the league could start getting curious. Pittsburgh has Watt, Highsmith, and Herbig all tied to big-money situations, and edge rushers are always valuable across the NFL. Teams that need pass-rush help may look at the Steelers’ situation and wonder whether Khan would at least listen. Florio made that point clear when discussing what Herbig’s new deal could mean on 93.7 The Fan.

"I think it sends the message right there that if someone's interested in Watt or Highsmith, it’s worth a phone call," Florio said.

That is a fascinating way to look at the deal. The Steelers did not pay Herbig just to send a message to other teams. They paid him because they believe he can be a major part of their defense. Still, the money creates a natural reaction around the league. If Pittsburgh has now made Herbig a long-term building block, teams may wonder if either Watt or Highsmith could eventually become available.

Florio took it even further with a line that should grab the attention of Steelers fans.

"The chum in the water that should attract the sharks is the Herbig contract," Florio added.

That does not mean the Steelers are shopping Watt or Highsmith. It does not even mean they want to move either player. Watt remains one of the most important defensive players of his era, and Highsmith has been a strong, reliable starter across from him when healthy. Pittsburgh values pass rushers as much as any organization in football, and having too many good ones is usually a problem teams would love to have. The difference is the price.

Herbig’s extension changes the conversation because it no longer frames him as a cheap young backup waiting for his chance. He is now a highly paid piece of the defensive future. The Steelers can say they want all three, and they may genuinely mean that, but rival teams are still allowed to test how serious Pittsburgh is.

Watt would obviously be the biggest name. Any team calling about him would be asking about one of the most recognizable defensive players in the sport. The Steelers would have to weigh his value to the franchise, his leadership, his production, his age, and what kind of return would even make the conversation worth having.

Highsmith may be the more realistic name for outside teams to ask about. He is younger than Watt, productive, and likely easier to fit into another team’s long-term plan. If a pass-rush-needy team believes Herbig’s deal eventually pushes someone out of Pittsburgh’s picture, Highsmith could be the player that makes the most sense to target.

Steelers Could Soon Face Tough Outside Linebacker Questions

The Steelers made the right move by rewarding Herbig if they truly believe he is part of their long-term core. Young pass rushers with real production do not hit the market cheaply, and Pittsburgh avoided letting his situation become a bigger distraction later. The harder part is what comes next.

Khan does not need to announce anything. He does not need to make one of his veterans available. He does not even need to take the first few calls seriously. The only thing he has to do is understand that other teams may now view the Steelers’ outside linebacker room differently than they did before Herbig signed.

That is the point Florio is making. The Herbig contract may not force Pittsburgh into a move, but it could invite other teams to start circling. Whether those calls go anywhere is up to Khan. The Steelers have built a loaded outside linebacker room, but the rest of the league may now be wondering if that room is too expensive to stay together for long.