As Mike McCarthy takes over as Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, all eyes have been on their offense and game of footsies with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, the franchise will soon face a serious question on defense as well.
Pass rusher Nick Herbig is set to be a free agent after the season. Another strong season will only make him more coveted across the league. It could also force the Steelers into a situation where they have to think what's best for the franchise at the position, via Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
If the Steelers end up signing Herbig long term, having three large contracts allocated to one position is a tough proposition. Watt, for all his greatness, turns 32 in October and has guaranteed salaries of $32 million in both 2026 and 2027,” Fowler said. “Watt is a legacy player, something Pittsburgh values more than most. But some teams could see Pittsburgh at least considering moving on from him.”
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Watt has crafted an unforgettable legacy in Pittsburgh, being named to eight Pro Bowls, earning four All-Pro nominations and being named the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year. He has still continued to play at a high level when healthy, but he will be entering his age-32 season in 2026. Making over $20 million his next three seasons, the Steelers could opt to look towards the future.
Herbig won't turn 25 until November. He is coming off of a career-high 7.5 sacks in 2025 and had 5.5 a year prior. Pittsburgh may view him as a key piece of their defensive core and decide not the let him enter free agency with a lucrative extension.
What a new Herbig contract would mean for Watt is yet to be seen. But if both remain, alongside Alex Highsmith, the Steelers would be spending a boatload of money on their pass rush.
As Mike McCarthy takes over as Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, all eyes have been on their offense and game of footsies with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. However, the franchise will soon face a serious question on defense as well. Pass rusher Nick Herbig is set to be a free agent after the season.