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Steelers Ink Nick Herbig to $100 M Extension

6/4/2026

Summary

Herbig Signs $100M

The Steelers signed linebacker Nick Herbig to a four-year, $100 million extension with $42 million guaranteed.
Herbig, a 24-year-old fourth-round 2023 draftee, became the first non-quarterback to earn a $100 million contract without ever starting a full season.
The deal adds $3.674 million for 2026, back-loads the guarantee and keeps the cap hit under $10 million.
Coach Mike McCarthy said the Steelers plan to keep three edge rushers—T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Herbig—on the field.

Summary

**Steelers Shift Benton**

Defensive line coach Domata Peko said the Steelers may move Keeanu Benton from nose tackle to other positions.
New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham plans three-tech, 4i or five-tech fronts that could change Benton's role.
Salary-cap limits force the Steelers to prioritize extensions for Joey Porter Jr. and Darnell Washington while reviewing Benton's contract.
Head coach Mike McCarthy said contract talks are a business issue separate from on-field duties.

Summary

Highsmith Misses Minicamp

Alex Highsmith missed Day 2 of the Steelers’ mandatory minicamp on June 3, 2026 due to illness, Burt Lauten confirmed on X.
Lauten reported that Highsmith stayed at the practice facility and that coach Mike McCarthy said the team must retain Nick Herbig, Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt.
The Steelers will use salary-cap flexibility beginning in 2027 to keep the three edge rushers, with Highsmith’s deal paying $20 million in 2026 and $21 million in 2027.

History

Historical Context

When the NFL introduced its first salary cap in 1994 at $33.8 million, teams like the Dallas Cowboys were forced to cut veterans such as linebacker Ken Norton Jr. Decades later the 2026 Pittsburgh Steelers are again reshaping their roster—extending edge rusher Nick Herbig and reallocating roles for Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt—showing how cap limits remain a central driver of roster strategy.

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Herbig Signs $100M

The Steelers signed linebacker Nick Herbig to a four-year, $100 million extension with $42 million guaranteed.
Herbig, a 24-year-old fourth-round 2023 draftee, became the first non-quarterback to earn a $100 million contract without ever starting a full season.
The deal adds $3.674 million for 2026, back-loads the guarantee and keeps the cap hit under $10 million.
Coach Mike McCarthy said the Steelers plan to keep three edge rushers—T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Herbig—on the field.

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