Nick Herbig

In the Steelers’ Week 3 win (21-14) against the Patriots on September 21, 2025, Herbig had a standout game, recording four quarterback hits, one sack, and a forced fumble against rookie QB Drake Maye. He led the NFL in quick pressures (4) that week and was top-5 in total QB pressures. His performance against Patriots’ rookie LT Will Campbell was notable, earning praise for his pass-rushing ability.

While Herbig is not a good run defender he stands out as a pass rusher. Perhaps he can be a nickel backer replacing Queen on passing downs as a linebacker at times. Queen stinks as a cover guy.

If he can stay healthy he offers the defense flexibility in down 2 and 3 in pass situations.

 

Second year QB Drake Maye.

 

So are you suggesting this underpins his performance because QB is in his second year?

 

Not at all. Just a born and bred proofreader.

 

It will be interesting to see what we do when it comes time to decide on an extension for Herbig.

I'd prefer to keep him in the fold. But it will be hard to afford Watt, Highsmith, and Herbig.

And even if we can swing it money wise, Herbig might want to go to a place where he'd start.

 

I agree. Someone is going to offer him starter money.

 

You are like that ex-wife that keeps interrupting your story time to the boys........Don't forget to tell them why you were there. Mmmhmmm, and who had to clean it up?, Why don't you tell them who it was that told you to do that in first place?........lol

 

Nick HerbigTits

 

I believe he said it because the OP said he was a rookie Qb

 

Dude, I don't know about you, but I'm about done on Highsmith, we've had one good year , and a bunch of injuries out of him. I maybe a bit harsh on the injuries, but not the performance.

 

I tend to agree. I'm not at all opposed to offloading him this summer and having Herbig and Sawyer as costarters opposite TJ. It's going to be hard to keep Herbig nonetheless so looking at the draft for a more reliable right side edge would be ideal in the next few drafts.

 

I think I like Highsmith more than most.

Maybe I'm overvaluing the TFL numbers. Especially in years 2 and 3.

Either way, he's under contract until 2027. And we'd have $11.2MM dead money if we traded him at the end of this season. That's not really a Steelers like move IMO.

If we want to extend Herbig, we probably want to do it after this year (while he'll still have 1 year remaining). He'd probably be looking for something that's like an inflation-adjusted version of Highsmith's contract IMO. And I don't know if we can be paying 3 guys starting money at an expensive position like edge.

But I'd certainly be open to trying to trade Highsmith after this year if we can get good value.

I don't think we can really let Herbig play out his contract and tag him given edge salaries. The LB tag this year is $25.4MM. Highsmith's deal was 4 years $68MM.

 

Nick Herbig needs to learn how to stay healthy. If he can do that?! He will no doubt be an asset for certain. Pass rushing has never been his issue.


Will Campbell is playing out of position as I see it. Great LT for LSU but this isn't the SEC. NFL is a different beast all together. For that matter, him not being a LG is a travesty as he does possess All Pro ability there.


Sunday was nothing more than my confirmation of him of what I wrote about him; great athletic ability but his lack of length is going to level him vulnerable against speed rushers. Will faces Myles Garrett up next; an EDGE Demon who has made his career feasting on OTs who lack the tools to stop him.

 

Honestly, we should think about extending Herbig and letting Highsmith walk. Neither are particularly awesome run defenders and both are great at getting pressure. I'd prefer to keep the younger player in Herbig and get him in a good rotation with Sawyer, who is quite stout against the run but still has a way to go to develop as a rusher. They're different body types and having both is a good thing. Herbig will win with speed and finesse while Sawyer is going to have to learn how to use his hands and strength to win (a good person to emulate for him would be Trey Hendrickson). That's how I see it at least. Get Herbig in line for his extension and if we have to deal Highsmith in his final year of his deal so be it....

The other option of course would be to sign the extension for Herbig and deal Watt to a contender for draft capital. Extend Highsmith as well and have them both as our 1-2 punch. It would be great in the pass game, but I would be highly worried with two rather weak run defenders on the edge.

 

LaMarr Woodley all over again. Thing is, Highsmith has far more work ethic than Woodley ever did. How he trains could be the issue though.