Tim Benz: After Nick Herbig’s big raise, Steelers must trade an OLB or start playing all 3 at once
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Key Points:
- Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Nick Herbig signed a four-year, $100 million contract, including $42 million guaranteed, making him the first non-quarterback to surpass $100 million without starting an entire NFL season.
- The Steelers have a combined potential payout of $147 million over the next few years for their three outside linebackers: Herbig, T.J. Watt, and Alex Highsmith.
- To justify this investment, the Steelers must find ways to get all three outside linebackers on the field simultaneously, a strategy rarely implemented under previous coaching.
- Coaches are exploring new defensive schemes, including moving Watt around the front and possibly using Herbig as an inside linebacker pass rusher, but these changes have yet to be fully realized.
- Herbig's snap count increased in 2025, but he still missed significant playing time, highlighting the need for the Steelers to maximize his on-field presence given his lucrative contract.