The Financial Leap That Redefines Steelers Defensive Value
The extension isn’t just a payday—it’s a statement. Herbig, a fourth-round pick in 2023 who has never started more than six games in a season, now sits alongside T.J. Watt ($42 million cap hit this year) and Alex Highsmith (just over $20 million). His $3.8 million salary last season ballooned to $42 million guaranteed over four years, making him the highest-paid outside linebacker in NFL history by a wide margin. The move underscores Pittsburgh’s belief in Herbig’s development: his sack total has risen each year since 2023, peaking at 7.5 in 2025—a career year that included 13 tackles for loss and 18 quarterback hits. Yet with only two starting spots available, the question isn’t whether Herbig deserves the money. It’s whether Highsmith, whose $14.5 million salary this season is non-guaranteed, can survive as the odd man out.
Herbig’s Contract: A Bet on Depth Over Tradition
Herbig’s new deal isn’t just about money—it’s about redefining the Steelers’ defensive identity. The team has spent years building a pass-rushing dynasty around Watt, but Herbig’s contract suggests Pittsburgh now views its edge-rushing group as a three-man unit, not a two-man core. Watt remains the anchor, with $32 million fully guaranteed this season, but Herbig’s $42 million guaranteed haul and five-year team control (two more years than Highsmith) signal a shift: the Steelers are betting on Herbig as a long-term starter, even if he hasn’t yet earned that label in the eyes of most analysts.
The math is brutal for Highsmith. His $20 million cap hit this year is more than five times Herbig’s pre-extension salary, yet Highsmith’s contract is the only one of the three without long-term guarantees. With two years left on his deal, Pittsburgh now faces a choice: restructure Highsmith’s contract (risking cap flexibility), trade him (losing a key piece of the defense), or accept that Herbig’s rise has made Highsmith expendable. The message is clear: in Pittsburgh’s eyes, Herbig is now the third wheel in a group that doesn’t need a fourth.
Herbig himself downplays the starter/backup distinction. When asked if he considers himself a starter, he shrugged. “I wouldn’t call myself ‘not a starter,’” he told reporters Tuesday. “I would just say I’m a team guy. If you need me to play off the ball, on the ball, need me to run down a punt, I’m a Steeler. There’s no starters and backups. I’m a Steeler.”
“I wouldn’t call myself ‘not a starter.’ I would just say I’m a team guy. If you need me to play off the ball, on the ball, need me to run down a punt, I’m a Steeler. There’s no starters and backups. I’m a Steeler.”
Nick Herbig, via CBS Sports
The phrasing is telling. Herbig isn’t claiming a starting role—he’s framing himself as the ultimate role player. And in Pittsburgh’s defensive scheme, that might be enough. The Steelers have long thrived on versatility, with Watt handling the heavy lifting while Herbig and Highsmith rotate in based on matchups. But with Herbig now earning more than Highsmith and locked up longer, the balance has shifted. The question isn’t whether Herbig can play—it’s whether Highsmith can stay relevant in a group where the third option just got a $100 million vote of confidence.
Alex Highsmith’s Contractual Catch-22: Guaranteed Irrelevance?
Highsmith’s position is precarious. His $14.5 million salary this season is non-guaranteed, meaning Pittsburgh can cut him without cap hit if he misses time or underperforms. With Herbig now under contract through 2029, Highsmith’s two remaining years could become a liability—a high-cap-hit player with no long-term security. The Steelers have shown a willingness to move players in similar situations: in 2024, they traded linebacker Devin Bush to free up cap space, and in 2025, they released safety Terrell Edmunds to reallocate funds.
Highsmith’s contract structure is a red flag. While Watt’s $42 million and Herbig’s $42 million guaranteed are locked in, Highsmith’s deal is the only one with no long-term guarantees. That’s not an accident. The Steelers have made it clear they view Herbig as the future at outside linebacker—even if he hasn’t yet proven he’s a full-time starter. Highsmith, meanwhile, is caught in the middle: too valuable to cut outright, but no longer the clear third option.
The cap math is brutal. Watt’s $42 million hit this year, Herbig’s $42 million guaranteed over four years, and Highsmith’s $20 million hit combine for $104 million over the next three seasons—more than half of Pittsburgh’s projected $200 million cap. That doesn’t account for other key defenders like Ar’Darius Washington or Cameron Heyward. The Steelers are spending like a contender, but the question is whether this group can stay healthy enough to justify the cost.
How Herbig’s Contract Reshapes Pittsburgh’s Pass-Rush Philosophy
Herbig’s contract isn’t just about money—it’s about philosophy. The Steelers have long prided themselves on depth and versatility, and Herbig’s deal reinforces that approach. But it also signals a potential shift in how Pittsburgh views its pass rush. Watt remains the undisputed leader, but Herbig’s contract suggests the team now sees him as a long-term starter, even if he hasn’t yet earned that label in the eyes of most analysts.
The contract also raises questions about Pittsburgh’s defensive scheme. With Watt handling the heavy lifting, Herbig and Highsmith have traditionally rotated based on matchups. But with Herbig now locked in as a long-term piece, the Steelers may need to adjust their approach. If Herbig is indeed a starter, Highsmith’s role becomes even more unclear. Will he remain a situational player? Will he be traded to free up cap space? Or will Pittsburgh restructure his contract to keep him in the fold?
One thing is clear: Herbig’s contract is a bet on the future. The Steelers believe he can develop into a full-time starter, and they’re willing to pay top dollar to make it happen. Whether that bet pays off remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: the Steelers are no longer just building a defense around Watt. They’re building it around a trio, with Herbig now firmly in the mix.
The Bigger Picture: How This Fits Into the NFL’s Contract Arms Race
Herbig’s $100 million contract is historic—not just for Pittsburgh, but for the NFL as a whole. He’s the first non-quarterback to earn that kind of money without ever starting a full season, a milestone that reflects the league’s growing emphasis on versatility and depth. Watt, of course, has been the face of Pittsburgh’s defensive revolution, but Herbig’s contract suggests the Steelers are now willing to invest in role players who can fill multiple roles.
This isn’t just about Herbig. It’s about a broader trend in the NFL: teams are increasingly willing to pay top dollar for players who can contribute in multiple ways. The days of locking up only starters are fading. Instead, teams are investing in depth—players who can step in when needed, fill specific roles, and provide insurance against injuries.
For the Steelers, this means a defense built on depth rather than star power alone. Watt is the star, but Herbig and Highsmith are now the supporting cast—even if Herbig’s contract suggests he’s being groomed for a bigger role. The question is whether this approach will pay off. If Herbig continues to develop, Pittsburgh could have one of the deepest and most versatile pass-rushing groups in the league. If not, the Steelers could be overpaying for a player who isn’t yet ready for a starting role.
What Happens Next: The Road Ahead for Herbig, Highsmith, and the Steelers
The immediate next steps are clear. Herbig will report to training camp in July, where his role will become clearer. If he continues to develop, he could push Highsmith out of the starting lineup—or at least into a more situational role. Highsmith, meanwhile, faces a critical offseason. If he wants to stay in Pittsburgh, he’ll need to prove he can’t be replaced. If he’s open to a trade, he could fetch a strong return—but with his contract structure, the Steelers may prefer to cut him and save cap space.
For the Steelers, the bigger question is whether this investment will pay off. Herbig’s contract is a bet on the future, but it’s one that comes with risks. If he continues to develop, Pittsburgh could have a dominant pass-rushing trio. If not, the team could be overpaying for a player who isn’t yet ready for a starting role. Either way, one thing is certain: the Steelers are no longer just building a defense around Watt. They’re building it around a trio—and Herbig’s contract is the latest sign that this is a new era in Pittsburgh.
One thing is certain: the NFL’s contract arms race is in full swing, and the Steelers are leading the charge. Herbig’s deal isn’t just about money—it’s about redefining what it means to be a star in today’s league. And whether you’re a fan of the Steelers or not, one thing is clear: the future of the NFL’s pass rush just got a lot more interesting.
