Sources: Steelers' Nick Herbig lands 4-year, $100M extension - ESPN

PITTSBURGH — That didn't take long.

Hours after sitting out individual drills during the Pittsburgh Steelers' mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, linebacker Nick Herbig and the organization agreed to a four-year, $100 million extension, including $42 million guaranteed, sources told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and ESPN's Adam Schefter.

In an interview with local reporters before agreeing to the deal, Herbig said it was his «desire to be a Steeler for life.»

Herbig, 24, was set to enter the final year of his rookie contract coming off of a career-high 7.5-sack season in 2025. Herbig's deal is a rarity in the NFL. He crossed the $100 million threshold without a full NFL season as a starter, but his compensation reflects his ability to produce when given the opportunity.

Not only did he have the highest pass rush win rate in the NFL last season (26.3%), according to ESPN Analytics and NFL Next Gen Stats, but he also recorded an interception to go along with his 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery for a touchdown. He also had a career-high 18 quarterback hits in 2025.

«I wouldn't call myself not a starter,» Herbig said after Tuesday's practice. «I'm a team guy. If you need me to play off the ball, on the ball, need me to run down on punt, I'm a Steeler. There's no starters and backups. I'm a Steeler.»

Herbig is part of a deep — and expensive — pass rush corps. His new deal averages $25 million per year, while T.J. Watt's averages $41 million, and Alex Highsmith's checks in at a $17 million average.

While Herbig's contract was resolved Tuesday, cornerback and fellow 2023 draftee Joey Porter Jr. is still awaiting his extension. Porter also didn't participate in individual drills during the media shooting period