Alex Highsmith Nick Herbig Teryl Austin
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The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala reported the Washington Commanders interviewed Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to solidify the futures of multiple, impactful defenders this offseason. Specifically, the organization is looking to make sure that it can keep two of its top edge-rushers beyond next season.
According to insider Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, Pittsburgh is interested in extending soon-to-be fourth-year edge-rusher Nick Herbig this offseason. Furthermore, the organization would also like to keep 28-year-old edge-rusher Alex Highsmith in the process.
Can the Pittsburgh Steelers Keep Both Players?
Nick Herbig
GettySteelers edge-rusher Nick Herbig could be looking for a big payday after a career year in 2025.
The simple fact of the matter is that the Steelers can certainly keep both players beyond the 2026 season, but it will come down to how much the organization ends up paying Herbig if both sides can agree to terms on an extension. Here is what DeFabo had to say about what exactly needs to happen for the team to keep both players long-term, especially Herbig:
“The question is whether Herbig would want to sign right now to get the security, or if he’d be willing to bet on himself, let this season play out, and then hit the open market in 2027. The price tag and contract terms will determine if the Steelers get the extension done with Herbig.”
Pittsburgh did give Highsmith a four-year extension worth $68 million before the start of the 2023 season. That means he is locked in through the 2027 season. But with future Hall of Fame edge-rusher T.J. Watt turning 32 years of age next season and Highsmith himself on the verge of turning 29, the franchise could look to lock up the future of the position in Herbig.
Elite Edge-Rush Play Has Always Been a Staple in Pittsburgh
T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig
GettyOn paper, the Steelers have one of the deepest edge-rush groups in the NFL.
Going back years and years, the Steelers have consistently had fantastic play on the edge of their defensive line. From the likes of L.C. Greenwood and Kevin Greene to James Harrison and T.J. Watt, the Steelers have almost always been able to count on that position group. In the final years of the Mike Tomlin era, it was no different.
In his first nine seasons, Watt has recorded a franchise-best 115 sacks. He has recorded at least 10 sacks in six of those nine seasons, not to mention the fact that he has 244 career quarterback hits and 136 career tackles for loss.
After becoming teammates with Watt in 2020, Highsmith has been a steady second edge-rusher for the franchise. In three of his six career seasons, he has recorded at least seven sacks, including a 14.5-sack season in 2022. That same season, he was also the NFL co-leader in forced fumbles with seven.
Now, Herbig is next in line. In his third NFL season in 2025, he recorded a career-high 7.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and 18 quarterback hits. His promise is why the Steelers could look to extend him this offseason.
All in all, this position group is one of the more well-rounded units in the entire league. However, its long-term future is still up in the air.