Why Pittsburgh’s Third-Year Linebacker Deserves to Stay a Steeler
Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig’s contract expires after the 2026 season. The team has plenty of time to decide whether or not to ink another deal with him. However, Herbig has already made his wishes clear. He wants to stay with the Steelers for the remainder of his career.
Herbig spoke with KDKA’s Rich Walsh on Friday. The interview was broadcast on the pre-game show on Sunday. Herbig said, “I just wanna win. I’d love to bring a Super Bowl to Pittsburgh. I’d love to win games here. I’d love to be a Steeler my whole life. I love it here. I love the fans. Love the coaches, love the atmosphere, the city. It is everything you dream about when you’re a kid.” Herbig has shown significant improvement in 2025. Even though he only started in four games this season, he’s at a career high of six and a half sacks. He’s ranked second on the team. T.J. Watt has seven sacks. Watt spoke about Herbig’s performance. He remarked, “Herb is a baller, man. I think you guys are just getting hip to it, but we’ve known it for a long time. The kid does everything right. We have a hell of a rotation.”
Herbig reminds former Steelers running back Merril Hoge of another former Pittsburgh linebacker. Hoge explained, “Well, I studied him at Wisconsin, and actually, he was one of the guys that was on my list of players to look at. I was like, the first guy he kind of reminded me of was Chad Brown. Now, just because he played inside linebacker sometimes, too, in college. So, I always like a guy who has versatility because that’s not easy. Like, people who play outside linebackers sometimes can’t play inside and vice versa. Plus, he could do both, but he has an awesome motor.”
Herbig has also impressed Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. Speaking about Herbig, Austin said, “He’s a splash player. He’s always around the ball. He makes it miserable for offensive tackles. He’s playing really well.” One of Herbig’s strengths is his ability to observe and act quickly. Austin explained, “Sometimes you beat ’em to the punch in terms of setting edges and things like that. So he does a really good job. He’s improved in that area...he’s developed into a guy that can play the run and be effective in the run game.”
Herbig has emerged as a star. He consistently delivers strong performances on limited snaps. He has excellent instincts and speed. He’s also a versatile player. He’s displayed his loyalty to Pittsburgh and his strong work ethic. Herbig has certainly earned the right to remain a key member of the Steelers’ defense.
