Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Nick Herbig, a quality rotational player, faces questions about his long-term commitment during 2025 exit meetings. Stuck behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, he remains productive but enters free agency in 2027 without an extension. The team seeks to retain him amid recent playoff struggles and coaching changes.
The Pittsburgh Steelers conducted exit meetings following another early playoff exit in 2025, with outside linebacker Nick Herbig's session highlighting his future with the organization. Entering his third year, the 2023 fourth-round draft pick has shown strong production in limited snaps. Across 1,216 defensive snaps, Herbig recorded 16 sacks, 23 tackles for loss, 9 forced fumbles, and 1 interception. In his most recent season, he played a career-high 610 snaps, matching it with 7.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, his first interception, and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown. He also added passes defensed to his resume, including one that nearly became another interception. Viewed as undersized with shorter arms out of college, Herbig has adapted effectively, developing pass-rush moves that leverage his speed and quickness against larger offensive tackles. His veteran teammates, including T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, respect his professionalism, work ethic, and game knowledge. Herbig studies their techniques and occasionally shares insights. Despite increased playing time, his production has held steady, positioning him as a potential starter elsewhere. As a free agent in 2027, extension talks loom, though incentives are limited without a clear path to a starting role. The Steelers would prefer to secure him early, but trading or releasing a starter seems unlikely. These discussions occur amid major changes, including the resignation of coach Mike Tomlin.
