In the midst of contract negotiations on an extension, Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Nick Herbig made sure to show up for his teammates on the first day of mandatory minicamp.
Though he conducted a bit of a “hold-in” during the session, participating in individual drills but not in team sessions, Herbig was present and engaged. Speaking with reporters Tuesday, he made it clear his vision for his future, too, which meant remaining in the Black and Gold for the rest of his career.
A few hours later, he took official steps towards seeing that vision play out, inking a four-year, $100 million deal with the Steelers, keeping him in the Steel City for the foreseeable future.
That extension came quicker than many anticipated, but Herbig wanted it done quickly so he could put the business aside.
“Yeah, I think to me, I think I made it very clear I wanted to be a Steeler for life,” Herbig said of the timing of the extension, according to audio via 93.7 The Fan. “And just having that security and knowing that I can go into camp with no distractions, ready to work like I always am and be there for my teammates.”
That quote on Tuesday about a desire to be a Steeler for life was powerful, and it was rather fitting that a few hours later, he inked a massive deal, changing his life in the blink of an eye.
Four years ago, Herbig entered the league as an undersized pass rusher who was selected in the fourth round. Many — including this writer — wondered if his best bet to succeed in the NFL was to move inside to off-ball linebacker.
Three years later, and coming off a career year with 7.5 sacks and 48 pressures, Herbig has his long-term future secured. Now, he has the burden of proving the Steelers right with the decision to extend him.
“It means the world to me. Just the fact that they took a chance on me, even wanted me to play on the edge,” Herbig said of the Steelers. “A lot of teams wanted me to play inside linebacker, and they had a vision for me. Seeing that vision come to life and now they’re backing it up with giving me a new deal, I can’t thank them enough, and I can’t wait to show them that they made the right choice.”
It was a surprise choice — at least on the outside — that the Steelers planned on utilizing Herbig as an edge rusher. He was historically small for the position, but the Steelers saw something in him. So far, it’s paid off.
He’s led the NFL in back-to-back seasons in pass rush win rate, and has generated 81 pressures in his first three seasons, doing so in just 646 pass rush snaps. Now, his long-term future is secured, and he’s poised to take another step as a dominant pass rusher.
It’s all ball for Herbig now. And that’s dangerous for the rest of the league.
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