Steelers Now
A third-year player is stepping up for the Pittsburgh Steelers with linebacker T.J. Watt absent from mandatory minicamp.
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro outside linebacker T.J. Watt is absent from mandatory minicamp as he’s looking for a new contract with his is set to expire at the end of the 2025 season. However, that has opened the door for third-year linebacker Nick Herbig run with the first-team defense.
“I know this whole team would love to have 90 here. He’s a heartbeat. He’s a Pittsburgh Steeler through and through,” Herbig said. “But every day, I’m gonna prepare to be a starter, whether that’s now or two years or 11 weeks. I don’t know, whatever it may be. Just stay ready.”
The Steelers selected Herbig in the fourth round (No. 132 overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he has been quite productive when on the field.
In his first two years in the NFL, Herbig has recorded 49 tackles (32 solo), 8.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
That is all while receiving limited snaps as Pittsburgh’s third outside linebacker behind Watt and Alex Highsmith.
The 23-year-old will return to that role if and when Watt returns, but that timeline remains up in the air, especially since Watt’s last extension didn’t come until much later in the summer.
The Steelers are expected to extend Watt at some point, but until that happens, Herbig will have to rely on his off-field relationship with Watt to continue learning from the him.
“Our relationship extends beyond the football field,” Herbig said. “Of course, we keep in touch. That’s always gonna be one of my big bros, my mentors, forever. I hope for much longer.”
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Third-Year LB ‘Preparing to Be Starter’ with T.J. Watt Absent From Mandatory Minicamp
