Steelers Now
Former Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro center and future Hall of Famer Jason Kelce gave Nick Herbig a ringing endorsement on the latest episode of his New Heights podcast.
“The main reason I know Nick [Herbig] is because I played with his brother, Nate,” Kelce explained to his brother Travis. “I did a workout with Nick one offseason when he was still in college at Wisconsin.
“This kid’s like a f***ing goddamn badger. I’ve gotta give him a shout out. He’s started some games when guys have gotten hurt but he just flashes and makes plays. I’m telling you he’s a stud. He’s a disruptor. I love the way he plays.”
On Tuesday, Herbig and the Steelers agreed to a four-year, $100 million contract extension that includes $42 million in guaranteed money. That contract will add onto the end of his $3.674 million in salary that he is still owed in 2026, the final year of his rookie contract.
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, Herbig is now believed to be the first non-quarterback to surpass $100 million without ever starting an entire season in his NFL career.
Herbig, 24, has displayed exactly why he demanded such a payday over the past three years, racking up 79 tackles, 16 sacks, nine forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, three passes defensed and one interception all while working in a rotation with fellow outside linebackers Watt and Highsmith.
His production has also climbed each year. After recording three sacks as a rookie, Herbig posted 5.5 sacks in 2024 before setting a new career high with 7.5 sacks in 2025. He has not only become an important rotational contributor but has also positioned himself as a cornerstone of the franchise’s future at outside linebacker.
Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy said the staff has been planning on innovative schemes involving Herbig for months.
“You don’t draw up schemes as the season gets going. These are things we’ve been working on since January. We’re excited to get Nick done. He’s part of some of the newer things we’re doing moving forward.”
Herbig is ecstatic to get a long-term deal done with the Steelers. He was in constant communication with the team during negotiations.
“I wouldn’t say relief. I’d say it’s joy,” McCarthy said. “Trust me, I’m very happy when one of our players gets a contract done — always have been.”
Alan Saunders contributed.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: NFL Legend Praises Nick Herbig: ‘I’m Telling You, He’s a Stud’
