Pittsburgh Steelers' Nick Herbig Poised for Breakout After Major Contract Extension
Nov 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) follows the play against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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Nick Herbig, linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is set to break out following a four-year, $100 million contract extension. Despite being a backup, his impressive stats suggest he could become a top pass rusher, drawing comparisons to Shaq Barrett's career trajectory.
- 01Nick Herbig signed a four-year, $100 million extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- 02Herbig has shown potential as a pass rusher, recording 7.5 sacks in 2025, trailing only teammate Alex Highsmith.
- 03He led the NFL in EDGE pass rush win rate at 25%, showcasing his efficiency on limited snaps.
- 04Comparisons have been made between Herbig and Shaq Barrett, who also thrived after starting as a rotational player.
- 05Pittsburgh's investment in Herbig indicates confidence in his potential to become a top pass rusher in the future.
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Nick Herbig, linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is on the verge of a significant career breakthrough after signing a four-year, $100 million contract extension. Although he has primarily played behind stars T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, Herbig's performance has been noteworthy. In the 2025 season, he recorded 7.5 sacks, ranking just behind Highsmith's 9.5 and slightly ahead of Watt's 7.0, all while having the fewest snaps among the trio. His remarkable 25% EDGE pass rush win rate led the NFL, reflecting his efficiency. Analyst Steve Palazzolo likened Herbig's potential to that of Shaq Barrett, who transitioned from a rotational role to a Pro Bowler. This comparison underscores the belief that Herbig can excel as a primary pass rusher, especially given Pittsburgh's substantial financial commitment to him. The Steelers' investment suggests they see a future star in Herbig, potentially positioning him for Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors as he steps into a larger role.
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Herbig's performance could significantly influence the Steelers' defensive strategy and overall team success in upcoming seasons.
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