Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a desirable problem. After paying Nick Herbig to stay around for seasons to come, Mike McCarthy’s team has a deep, but expensive group of outside linebackers.
Herbig slides in behind Steelers all-time leading sack-getter T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, who has 45 for his career himself.
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton proposed the Green Bay Packers should dangle a second- or third-round pick in next year’s draft for Highsmith, which would open the door for Herbig to get after the quarterback more.
“Micah Parsons told reporters that he will start the 2026 season on the physically unable to perform list while recovering from a torn ACL and meniscus damage, which will sideline him for at least four games,” Moton wrote Tuesday. “Keep in mind that the Packers traded edge-rusher Rashan Gary to the Dallas Cowboys. Green Bay can replenish its depleted outside linebacker group with a move for Highsmith, who may want a new contract.
“The Steelers edge-rusher doesn’t have any guaranteed money in the final two years of his deal. With $23.4 million in cap space, the Packers can acquire Highsmith, rework his contract and fill a glaring need on the edge.”
Herbig, who’s entering his fourth professional campaign, has racked up 16 career sacks, including a personal-best 7.5 last season. He was tagged with an 86.7 overall grade by Pro Football Focus, which ranked seventh out of 115 edge rushers.
Highsmith wasn’t rated far behind, as his 82.9 overall grade slotted him 13th in that same group. His 9.5 sacks were the second-most in any of his six seasons in black and gold.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Pave Way for Nick Herbig to Start in Latest Trade Suggestion
