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

The Pittsburgh Steelers and linebacker Nick Herbig agreed to a four-year, $100 million contract extension on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, according to sources. The agreement includes $42 million guaranteed and an average annual value of $25 million, keeping Herbig under contract through the 2028 season.

The move rewards a breakout campaign and signals the team’s intent to preserve a deep pass-rush rotation around a young contributor. Earlier Tuesday, Herbig did not take part in individual drills during the club’s mandatory minicamp session, while contract talks were believed to be ongoing.

Herbig, 24, posted a career-high 7.5 sacks last season and produced at a starter-level rate in limited starts. He added an interception, three forced fumbles, a fumble return for a touchdown and 18 quarterback hits. According to analytics and tracking data, his 26.3% pass-rush win rate led the league last season, an indicator the Steelers weighed heavily in valuation.

The extension is notable because it arrives before Herbig has logged a full season as a primary starter. The structure underscores how Pittsburgh values his per-snap impact and his versatility both on the edge and off the ball, aligning with the club’s emphasis on sustaining a high-end rush unit.

The deal also lands as the Steelers evaluate other second-contract decisions from their recent draft classes. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr., a consistent starter since entering the league, posted 14 passes defensed last season and is expected to pursue a new deal that reflects his production. He did not participate in individual drills during the media-viewing period of Tuesday’s session.

Steelers lock in pass-rush cornerstone

Contract guarantees and team hierarchy

Herbig’s extension includes $42 million guaranteed within the $100 million total, with a $25 million per-year average. The figure slots within Pittsburgh’s existing investments on the edge, positioning Herbig in the middle of a deep rotation headlined by established starters.

Efficiency metrics back long-term bet

Beyond the 7.5 sacks, Herbig’s 26.3% pass-rush win rate topped all defenders last season, according to analytics and tracking data. His splash plays — an interception, three forced fumbles and a fumble returned for a touchdown — reinforced his efficiency and helped justify the long-term commitment.

Roster ripple effects and next steps

Porter’s extension outlook

Porter has been a steady presence in the secondary and projects as a priority for the front office as it sequences future extensions. His limited participation during the media-viewing portion of Tuesday’s minicamp kept attention on contract timing across the roster.

Depth and spending at edge rusher

Pittsburgh has invested heavily to preserve one of the league’s more disruptive units up front. With Herbig now tied up through 2028, the club maintains continuity across its core and can balance premium contracts with emerging talent while managing future cap decisions.

The Steelers are expected to formalize roster priorities ahead of training camp. Attention will turn to how the front office sequences additional extensions and integrates new roles during the preseason.