As NFL free agency approaches, ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz identified players from each team who might benefit from a fresh start. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, Schatz pointed to outside linebacker Nick Herbig, suggesting that Herbig’s development could accelerate if he found a starting role elsewhere. Currently, Herbig plays behind stars T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, limiting his opportunities despite his evident talent.
Herbig’s Impressive Impact Despite Limited Playtime
Nick Herbig was selected by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft and has quickly made a name for himself as a dynamic part-time pass rusher. Over his first three seasons, he has accumulated 16 sacks while consistently participating in less than 60% of defensive snaps. In 2025, Herbig led the NFL with a 26.3% pass rush win rate and recorded 7.5 sacks while playing just 52% of defensive snaps.
Endorsements Highlight Herbig’s Underrated Status
Herbig’s talent has not gone unnoticed by notable figures. During a July appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, future Hall of Famer J.J. Watt praised Herbig’s abilities, calling him “great” and “very underrated” within a Steelers linebacker group that also includes Watt’s brother T.J., Highsmith, and rookie Jack Sawyer.
Pro Football Focus Recognizes Herbig’s Value
Earlier this year, Pro Football Focus named Herbig the most underrated player on the Steelers roster. While he does not garner the same spotlight as Watt or Highsmith, largely due to his limited snap count, his performance when on the field is exceptional. According to PFF, since 2022, Herbig has earned a 91.4 pass-rush grade, ranking seventh among all edge defenders with at least 250 pass-rush snaps.
Since 2022, Herbig owns a 91.4 PFF pass-rush grade, which ranks seventh among all edge defenders with at least 250 pass-rush snaps. With Watt and Highsmith occasionally missing time due to injury, having a high-end pass rusher like Herbig waiting in the wings is a very underrated and valuable option that not many teams have the luxury of.
Alan Saunders
Herbig’s Contract Situation and Possible Trade
Herbig is entering the final year of his rookie contract, making a trade the only viable path for him to leave the Steelers in the near future. His potential as a starter has led to questions about whether another franchise might offer him a leading role, given his strong performance when afforded playing time.
This is a different kind of call for a change of scenery. Herbig is probably happy in Pittsburgh, and he certainly is providing a lot of value for the Steelers. However, it would be really nice to see what Herbig could do as a starter somewhere — because right now, he’s stuck behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith as a rotational player,
Aaron Schatz, ESPN
Herbig led the league with a 26.3% pass rush win rate in 2025, and he had 7.5 sacks, despite playing just 52% of snaps. Could he lead the league if he were starting for another team?
Aaron Schatz, ESPN
The Road Ahead for Nick Herbig
Nick Herbig’s strong performance despite limited opportunities underscores his potential as an impactful NFL starter. While he remains a valuable rotational player for the Steelers, the possibility of a trade could open doors for him to showcase his skills in a more prominent role. As free agency approaches, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether Herbig’s Steelers future remains secure or moves toward a new chapter elsewhere.
