The Steelers’ four-year, $100 million extension for Nick Herbig has immediate ripple effects inside Pittsburgh’s pass-rush picture—especially for T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. With Watt signed to a three-year, $123 million deal in 2025 and Highsmith on a four-
Nick Herbig’s four-year, $100 million extension arrived fast—fast enough to make one thing unmistakable inside the Steelers’ building. The team clearly values the 2023 fourth-round pick more than a simple depth piece.
The contract also changes the temperature around Pittsburgh’s defensive front. Because it’s the first time a team has handed a backup a $100 million deal. it naturally prompts a hard question about what the Steelers intend for the rest of their pass-rush rotation—particularly the futures of T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.
Watt, a first-round pick in 2017, signed a three-year, $123 million extension in 2025. His average per year is $41 million.
Highsmith, a third-round pick in 2020, signed a four-year, $68 million extension in 2023. His new-money average per year is $17 million.
For now, the Steelers could keep all three—Herbig, Watt, and Highsmith—at least for a year. But the Herbig extension also creates a market incentive. Once other teams see Pittsburgh willing to commit long term and big money to a player who wasn’t the top name on the initial depth chart. the phone may start ringing for the marquee pass rushers too.
The financial details make that more than a theory. Trading Watt would avoid $32 million in guaranteed pay for 2026, but it would trigger a $10 million cap charge in 2026 and a $20 million cap charge in 2027.
Trading Highsmith would avoid his $14.5 million salary for 2026, with a cap charge of $5.6 million in 2026 and another $5.6 million cap charge in 2027.
The market pressure doesn’t stop with Pittsburgh’s own calculations. It’s built into how the league works: teams always explore what might be available and what it would cost to get it.
And pass rushers carry premium value right now. With plenty of teams looking for more pressure—like the Bears, who “could use one, badly”—the Herbig deal reads like an open invitation. Either Watt or Highsmith could become the next target if another team decides it’s worth making a serious offer.
Steelers Nick Herbig T.J. Watt Alex Highsmith contract extension NFL news salary cap pass rush