Steelers sign Nick Herbig to four-year, $100 million extension

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed edge rusher Nick Herbig to a four-year, $100 million contract extension on Wednesday, securing another piece of their pass rush for the long term. The deal keeps the 2023 fourth-round pick in Pittsburgh and reflects the club’s confidence in his development. It also strengthens a position group already led by T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, signaling continuity on a defense built around pressure off the edge.

Herbig has steadily progressed since arriving as a fourth-round selection in 2023, earning the trust of coaches and carving out snaps in the rotation. His upward trajectory made him a candidate for a long-term commitment, and the team moved to finalize the agreement this week. Herbig framed the extension as both validation and motivation, saying Wednesday that he intends to prove the organization “made the right choice.”

The commitment to Herbig is part of a broader push to retain contributors from the 2023 draft class. Tight end Darnell Washington also agreed to an extension on Wednesday, while cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is on track for a long-term deal. Locking in multiple young pieces provides roster stability and preserves continuity on both sides of the ball.

Keeping a three-deep edge group gives Pittsburgh flexibility with personnel packages and snap distribution over a long season. Watt and Highsmith headline the unit, and Herbig’s presence in the rotation helps maintain pressure when the starters rest, while also offering cover against injuries. Depth at premium positions has long been a hallmark of the franchise’s roster-building approach.

The timing of the move also allows the Steelers to map roles ahead of camp and to manage medium-term planning around their top defenders. With Herbig secured, attention can turn to finalizing additional deals and continuing internal development, rather than navigating uncertainty at a key spot.

Herbig’s trajectory and role in 2024

Herbig’s growth since his rookie season has positioned him as a reliable option behind the established starters. The staff can deploy him situationally or as part of heavier rotations to keep the pass rush fresh. That approach supports the team’s identity and helps sustain pressure late in games.

Signal of confidence in 2023 draft class

The extensions for Herbig and Washington, along with indications that Porter Jr. is in line for a new deal, underscore the club’s intent to retain and develop its recent draftees. Continuity with young, ascending players can improve communication on the field and streamline scheme adjustments through the season.

The Steelers now enter the next phase of the offseason with a core edge trio under contract and clearer depth-chart definitions. The focus shifts to health, role competition in camp, and whether a Porter Jr. agreement follows in the coming weeks.