The pass rushers have always been the engine of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense and Nick Herbig has shown plenty of promise in that regard. Now that he has been rewarded with a four-year, $100 million contract extension, Herbig’s responsibilities include more than just getting to the quarterback.
Appearing on the “Not Just Football” podcast with teammate Cam Heyward, Herbig knows with the big extension comes leadership expectations.
“Now it’s like, this organization is entrusting you with basically the keys to the future and how am I gonna help propel that. Like how am I gonna be an asset to this organization and help us get that Super Bowl?” Herbig said on the podcast. “Now it’s like I am one of the older guys. I am one of the guys at practice that I have to speak up, I have to be more vocal and I have to lead by example more.
“That’s just the nature of the game.”
As has been much discussed, the Steelers have the most expensive defense in the NFL. That means the defense is loaded with talent but also leadership. Heyward, T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith are all homegrown talent on the defense who have assumed leadership roles after getting paid.
Herbig knows the importance of setting that example for the younger players.
While some have questioned the strategy of extending a player who has been a rotational piece in the outside linebacker rotation, especially after already paying big money for Watt and Highsmith, the Steelers recognized the value in a young pass rusher and may have even locked him in early before he got even more expensive.
After posting 7.5 sacks last season, Herbig could be poised for even more of a breakout year in 2026 depending on how the Steelers deploy him. In a three-man rotation at outside linebacker, the Steelers could rely on the hot hand or they could keep all three fresh by practicing a true rotation.
Using all three on the field together is another distinct possibility in certain packages if the trio can manage to stay healthy.
In the long term, the Steelers have to prepare for life without Watt and Heyward to lead the defense. While their performance will be difficult to replicate, the leadership that they brought to the unit will be equally hard to replace. Herbig has already demonstrated that he has the potential to be the next great pass rusher.
If his comments in the wake of his new extension mean anything, he also understands the weight placed on his shoulders to lead the next generation.
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