Nick Herbig: Everything you need to know

Pittsburgh signed Herbig to a four-year, $100 million contract extension Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Herbig is coming off the best season of his young career -- he registered 7.5 sacks over 15 regular-season games in 2025 even as he played behind four-time All-Pro T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Both Watt and Highsmith figure to return in 2026, limiting Herbig's opportunities, but he'll still technically be playing on his rookie deal until 2027.

Herbig recorded 30 tackles (21 solo), including 7.5 sacks, along with an interception, three pass defenses, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a touchdown over 15 regular-season appearances in 2025. While Herbig's tackle total didn't jump off the page during the 2025 campaign, he ranked second on the team in sacks despite appearing in just 15 regular-season matchups. The 2023 fourth-round pick was on the field for just 53 percent of the Steelers' defensive snaps this year and could have the potential to build upon his production during the final season of his rookie contract in 2026 if his playing time increases.

Herbig (hamstring) has no injury designation heading into Sunday's contest against the Browns, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports. Herbig upgraded to full participation in Friday's practice and will play Sunday versus the Browns after missing Week 16 with a hamstring injury. The 24-year-old will be crucial for the front-seven in Week 17 as star T.J. Watt (lung) is out for yet another game. Herbig has 29 tackles (20 solo), including 6.5 sacks, and two pass breakups, including one interception.