Nick Herbig has quietly developed into one of Pittsburgh's regular defenders since arriving as a fourth-round pick in 2023. Entering the final year of his rookie deal, the linebacker had done enough to convince the Steelers that he was worth a long-term investment.

The Pittsburgh Steelers management made the call to retain him with a $100 million deal. In three NFL seasons, Herbig has recorded 79 tackles, 16 sacks, and one interception in 45 career games, but fans aren't convinced he's been retained for the right amount.

"Edge Nick Herbig and the Pittsburgh Steelers reached agreement today on a four-year, $100 million dollar extension that includes $42 million guaranteed per@MikeGarafolo and me.The deal was negotiated by Joe DiBenedetto, Andy Simms, and Ken Sarnoff of @1OF1FOOTBALL," posted NFL insider Adam Schefter shared this news on his X account.

Herbig has only had 11 starts in his three years, but the franchise has clearly invested in his future numbers. The linebacker doesn't mind being used as a starter.

"I wouldn’t call myself not a starter," Herbig said speaking to ESPN. "I’m a team guy. If you need me to play off the ball, on the ball, need me to run down on punt, I’m a Steeler. There are no starters and backups. I’m a Steeler.”

For him, the association with Pittsburgh is what matters. Besides, after finishing with a career high of 7.5 sacks in 2025, it perhaps said something about the trajectory for the young linebacker.

Herbig also seemed to save some of his best work for Cincinnati. Of his 5.5 sacks during the 2024 season, two came against the Bengals.

The linebacker recorded two tackles and a sack in one divisional matchup before producing the same stat line in the team's final meeting of the year during Week 17

Yet the fans have a completely different take on the matter.

Fans Not Pleased With Herbig's Massive Contract Amount

While Nick Herbig's form got him a very lucrative contract, the fans think the Steelers went overboard with their offer.

"This feels like a massive overpay. I love Herbig, but $100 million is superstar-starter money, not rotational money," said a fan

Many even compared his total tally to his total games, which reflected underwhelming numbers.

"16 total sacks in 45 career games... and $100M?? What am I missing?" said another fan.

There is no doubt that Herbig's numbers are solid, but they're not yet elite compared to superstar pass rushers. There are also rumors of Herbig now becoming a regular starter.

"Willl be a starter now. Highsmith on his,way out. Will be traded," wrote another fan

The fan speculated that this probably means that Alex Highsmith is moving out. Now with the increased money, fans feel Herbig needs to amplify his game even further.

"Four years, $100M. For that money he better sack quarterbacks, fix the parking situation, and explain what a catch is," another fan said.

Obviously, with big money comes bigger responsibility. The fans want Herbig to go all out and make great sacks

Fans might not exactly be sold yet, but Herbig is surely enjoying every moment of this. Let's see how much this deal motivates him further.

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Written by

Sourav Ganguly

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote