The Pittsburgh Steelers boast one of the most talented EDGE groups in the NFL, highlighted by their exceptional depth. While rookie Jack Sawyer made headlines last season, Nick Herbig has quietly established himself as one of the best backups in the league. Herbig recorded 7.5 sacks last year after tallying 5.5 in 2024, but he remains positioned behind starters Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt in Pittsburgh’s lineup. Given this crowded competition, ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz has suggested that Herbig could benefit from a trade, offering him a chance to showcase his abilities with a larger role elsewhere.
Expert Perspective on Herbig’s Potential as a Starter
Schatz emphasized Herbig’s situation in Pittsburgh, writing,
“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,”
highlighting the limited opportunity the linebacker has had behind two key veterans.
The analyst additionally noted Herbig’s impressive efficiency, stating,
“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?”
This raises questions about how much further Herbig’s impact could extend given expanded playing time.
Why a Fresh Start Could Unlock Herbig’s Full Potential
Schatz included Herbig in a list of players from each NFL team who might thrive in new environments. Unlike many who are considered because of underperformance, Herbig’s situation is unique: he has been productive and shows no indication of dissatisfaction with the Steelers. Yet, he has not had the opportunity to be a consistent starter, appearing in only 11 starts during the last two seasons, primarily due to injuries to teammates.
Considering Pittsburgh’s recent injury concerns with Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt, the Steelers have little incentive to trade Herbig at this time. His ability to fill in with starter-like production is valuable, especially with Patrick Graham expected to potentially increase Herbig’s snaps. The team’s use of the “Bronco” package last season, which often included Herbig on the field alongside Watt and Highsmith, suggests the Steelers recognize his importance in their rotation.
Outlook: Herbig’s Future Likely Remains in Pittsburgh
Although it is easy to envision Nick Herbig flourishing if granted more responsibility on another team, it appears unlikely he will depart from the Steelers any time soon. Pittsburgh’s depth at the EDGE position, combined with Herbig’s proven ability to contribute effectively when called upon, makes him too valuable to move, especially as the team navigates a challenging competitive landscape.
