What am I missing regarding Nick Herbig?

I feel like a crazy person hearing Steelers media discuss Nick Herbig. He is consistently discussed as one of the guys that will most likely not get a contract extension. I understand the complexity of the situation here, but this is one of the three most impactful defenders on our team on a per snap basis and an ascending pass rusher that could be one of the best in the league.

Beyond that, the steelers have no shot of winning a championship within the next two years. Herbig fits our timeline far better than Watt or even Highsmith does. If we need to move off of one of them to make sure Herbig signs with us long-term--so be it...the cost is the cost. This guy is an absolute stud--I'd think it would be a monumental mistake to lose him.

Yet, often times, Herbig is often the one that's talked about as the one that will get away. In my mind, him and JPJ should be priorities and cornerstones for this defense moving forward. If we lose this guy, it would be another example of the Steelers truly having no ability to properly understand where they are in the league pecking order and a realistic timeline.

What am I missing? Am I overvaluing Herbig?

 

I don't think you're overvaluing him at all. The issue is they've already invested 60m+ in edge a year and it's illogical to add another 25m per year to that tally. I'd personally offload TJ, and keep Herbig and Highsmith, but unfortunately when it comes to the business side of things, Herbig is the odd man out.

 

They don't have long-term money tied up in the QB position, and they have aging stars who will be off the books soon enough. Given this context, they'd be demonstrating true incompetence if they lost him.

 

It doesn't make any logical sense to pay the position group 85m dollars. Like I said, I'd offload TJ to make sogning him possible. Yes guys like Heyward, DK and Ramsey will be off the books soon; however, that money will be offset by guys like Frazier, JPJ, Benton(?), and others these next couple of offseasons.

 

I think Herbig should be the one we keep. Its either out with Watt or Highsmith. A contract for Herbig before the season means one of the two others is definitely gone after the season. I understand wanting to give TJ a chance to rebound, but he's getting there in age to where there isn't a ton of time left even if he comes back strong. Highsmith has been oft injured but is effective when on the field. There aren't many easy answers here.

 

My solution is to offload Watt. I'm just looking at this with the Steelers mindset, which i feel has been very flawed post Big Ben.

 

Herbig wants to be a starter if Highsmith and Watt are returning in 2027, I doubt Herbig will re-sign with the Steelers.