Steelers Cannot Listen to New Nick Herbig Trade Suggestion

Pittsburgh has no interest in dealing its young edge rusher, who is poised for a bigger role in 2026.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an NFL edge rusher in motion, their body and movements broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.A cubist illustration captures the raw power and energy of a young edge rusher disrupting the pocket.Cincinnati Today

The Pittsburgh Steelers have no plans to trade young edge rusher Nick Herbig, despite a recent trade suggestion from FOX Sports' Ralph Vacchiano. Herbig, 24, is entering the final year of his contract but the Steelers view him as a key part of their future plans, especially with veteran stars T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith aging. The team hopes to sign Herbig to a contract extension before the 2026 season, rather than dealing him to the San Francisco 49ers for a second-round pick and conditional fifth-rounder.

Why it matters

The Steelers have one of the best edge rusher rooms in the NFL, with Watt, Highsmith, and the emerging Herbig. Keeping that trio together is crucial for the team's defensive success both in the short and long term, as Watt and Highsmith get older. Herbig has shown steady improvement and the Steelers believe he is ready for an expanded role as a full-time starter.

The details

Herbig, 24, had 7.5 sacks in a rotational role for the Steelers in 2025, filling in for both Watt and Highsmith at times. He is now ready to take on a larger starting role, and the Steelers want to lock him up with a contract extension rather than trade him away. The 49ers, who struggled to generate a pass rush in 2025, were suggested as a potential trade partner, but the Steelers have no interest in moving Herbig unless extension talks completely break down.

  • Herbig is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2026.

The players

Nick Herbig

A 24-year-old edge rusher for the Pittsburgh Steelers who had 7.5 sacks in a rotational role in 2025 and is poised for a larger starting role in 2026.

T.J. Watt

The Steelers' star edge rusher who is 32 years old and part of the team's talented edge rusher group.

Alex Highsmith

The Steelers' other starting edge rusher who is 28 years old and part of the team's talented edge rusher group.

Jack Sawyer

A rising second-year edge rusher for the Steelers who is expected to contribute more in 2026.

Ralph Vacchiano

A FOX Sports reporter who suggested the 49ers trade for Herbig.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Herbig, 24, is stuck in a rotation behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith in Pittsburgh and in the final year of his contract. He had 13 sacks in a limited role over the past two seasons and would be well worth the high pick it would probably cost for the Steelers to swap him.”

— Ralph Vacchiano, FOX Sports Reporter

What’s next

The Steelers plan to negotiate a contract extension with Herbig before the 2026 season, rather than trade him away.

The takeaway

The Steelers are committed to keeping their talented young edge rusher Nick Herbig, viewing him as a key part of their defensive future alongside veterans T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Herbig's continued development is crucial for the team's long-term success, so they have no interest in trading him away, even for a high draft pick.