Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Wednesday.
The Kickoff
It wasn’t two hours before Nick Herbig said he wanted to be a “Steeler for life…” and then the door opened for it to happen. While Herbig’s extension will pay him handsomely, there’s no guarantee his next deal will keep him in Black and Gold. I say that simply because Herbig is just 24 years old and he’s certainly got another contract coming. The question is when. If he continues on his current trajectory then it could be just a couple of years before he’s asking for a new deal. This extension by the way pays him $100 million over four years with $41 million guaranteed. This gives the Steelers the second most expensive outside linebacker corps in the NFL behind Houston. Do I understand why the Steelers did this? Yes. 24-year old pass rushers aren’t in abundance. The Steelers could have let Herbig play out the final year of his deal but they likely would have paid more assuming he had another good season. So from the financial aspect it makes total sense.
How Does This Shake Out?
As Adam Schefter pointed out, this makes Herbig the highest paid non-QB ever to make $100 without being a starter. With T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith already entrenched, it’s going to be difficult getting Herbig on the field. And that my friends is one expensive backup. Is it therefore possible that Watt or Highsmith are traded? Possible? Definitely. Likely? No. I think the Steelers ride with their three guys plus Jack Sawyer and then move either Highsmith or Watt next year.
Soft Tissue
All of this hinges on health. It is football after all and Herbig has missed six total games in his career all due to hamstring injuries. Any of you old enough to remember LaMarr Woodley know this is pretty much what ended his career. Herbig isn’t alone though. Highsmith has also missed myriad games due to similar injuries so this bears watching. Losing one guy for any period of time would be bad. Losing both would be catastrophic.
Concerns About Herbig?
There are several things about Nick Herbig that cannot be questioned; his effort, his hustle and his overall ability to get to the passer. My only concern is his ability to set a consistent edge. There are many who believe that is no longer an issue for him and I respect those takes. I see a guy who still gets beat to the outside a bit too much but that’s something he’s improved upon and I tend to believe that will continue. I’m curious to see what the new coaching staff does with him and his overall game.
Up Next
At the beginning of the day Tuesday both Herbig and Joey Porter, Jr were “hold-ins” at mini-camp. With Herbig no longer an issue, attention turns to JPJ. Remember, the market is what it is and don’t be surprised if he gets somewhere in the neighborhood of $25-$30 million. Also potentially getting a new deal could be Darnell Washington. He’s entering the final year of his deal too but we don’t know how Mike McCarthy and his staff feel about Washington just yet so stay tuned.
Other Items From Mini-Camp
As long as Dylan Cook remains above average at right tackle then I see no reason to think Max Iheanachor starts in week one. They will bring him along at a specific pace… Mike McCarthy made a solid point regarding receivers when asked about Germie Bernard in the slot. He basically said that in today’s game receivers have to be able to play everywhere (X, Y and Z)… I find it a bit odd that T.J. Watt still hasn’t spoken to the media since last season…
Random Reads
Excellent decision by the State of South Carolina to rescind a disqualification from a track athlete. This young man was celebrating, not taunting… I’ve started to post my YouTube shorts on TikTok for those that are on that platform. Yeah I never dreamed I’d be on it either… Lastly, this Friday will complete my 30th year in education. For the majority of you that doesn’t mean much but the number 30 has always been an important one because it means you’re eligible for full retirement. It also means that I’m old.
