Steelers' Nick Herbig Emerges as Potential 49ers Trade Target

16-Sack Steelers Pass Rusher Could Provide Immediate Boost to San Francisco's Defense

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:40pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a football player in mid-sack motion, with sharp planes of color and form capturing the raw athleticism and power of the pass rush.A cubist interpretation of a pass rusher's explosive energy, hinting at the potential impact a player like Nick Herbig could have on the 49ers' defense.Today in Pittsburgh

The San Francisco 49ers are in need of a pass rush boost after a disappointing 2025 season, and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig could be the answer. Herbig, a 23-year-old with 16 sacks over his first three NFL seasons, is stuck behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith on the Steelers' depth chart, making him a potential trade target for the 49ers.

Why it matters

The 49ers' pass rush was a major weakness in 2025, and with key players like Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams recovering from injuries, they need to find a way to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Acquiring the talented Herbig could provide an immediate solution and help the 49ers return to being one of the league's top defensive units.

The details

Herbig, a third-round pick in 2023, has been productive despite limited playing time in Pittsburgh. He recorded a career-high 7.5 sacks in 2025 and earned an impressive 87.3 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus. The proposed trade would send the 49ers' 2026 second-round pick (No. 58 overall) and a 2027 conditional fifth-round selection to the Steelers in exchange for Herbig.

  • Herbig was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
  • He recorded 7.5 sacks in the 2025 season, his career-high.

The players

Nick Herbig

A 23-year-old linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers who has emerged as a productive pass rusher, recording 16 sacks over his first three NFL seasons.

T.J. Watt

The star pass rusher for the Pittsburgh Steelers, ahead of Herbig on the depth chart.

Alex Highsmith

Another talented pass rusher for the Steelers, also ahead of Herbig on the depth chart.

Nick Bosa

A key defensive player for the San Francisco 49ers who is recovering from an ACL injury.

Mykel Williams

Another important member of the 49ers' defense who is also recovering from an ACL injury.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to bolster our pass rush, and Nick Herbig could be the answer. His production and potential make him an intriguing trade target.”

— John Lynch, General Manager, San Francisco 49ers

What’s next

The 49ers will need to negotiate a trade with the Steelers to acquire Herbig, and the deal would need to be finalized before the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The 49ers' pass rush was a major weakness in 2025, and acquiring the talented Nick Herbig from the Steelers could provide an immediate boost to their defense. While the trade would come at a significant cost, Herbig's proven production and potential make him an intriguing target that could help the 49ers return to being one of the league's top defensive units.