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Steelers make stunning Nick Herbig-sized decision
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- Steelers make stunning Nick Herbig-sized decision
The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't let Nick Herbig 's contract situation drag out for long.
After Herbig spent the first day of minicamp in a hold-in while still attending practices and meetings, the Steelers agreed to a four-year, $100 million extension with the young EDGE, according to NFL insider Mike Garafolo. The deal includes $42 million guaranteed and was reported by Garafolo and ESPN's Adam Schefter.
It's a stunning number for a player who hasn't been a full-time starter in the NFL, but that's also what makes this deal so interesting. According to Adam Schefter , Herbig is believed to be the first non-quarterback to surpass $100 million without starting an entire NFL season in his career.
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That part will get plenty of attention around the league. Inside Pittsburgh, though, the bigger feeling should be relief.
Herbig said just two hours ago that he didn't see himself as just a backup.
"I wouldn't call myself not a starter. I would just say I'm a team guy."
Clearly, he and the Steelers are simpatico.
Herbig has produced every time Pittsburgh has put him on the field. Even while playing an average of just 42% of the defensive snaps since being drafted in 2023, he's piled up 79 tackles, 16 sacks, one interception, nine forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. One of those recoveries went for a touchdown.
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His 2025 season only strengthened his case. Herbig posted a career-high 7.5 sacks while working in a four-man outside linebacker rotation and making six starts.
The contract still comes as a surprise, given that the Steelers already have T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith at the position. Paying another edge defender at this level isn't small potatoes.
But Herbig's burst, motor and takeaway production made him hard to treat like a normal rotational player. Pittsburgh didn't just pay him for what he's done. The Steelers paid him because they believe he's part of their future.
For a deal that once looked complicated, this is a massive problem solved.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers hand Nick Herbig stunning $100 million deal
