Linebacker Nick Herbig and the Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to a four-year, $100 million extension Tuesday, hours after he sat out mandatory minicamp drills. The deal includes $42 million guaranteed and averages $25 million annually, rewarding the 24-year-old's breakout 2025 season where he recorded 7.5 sacks and posted the league's highest pass rush win rate at 26.3%.

Herbig's contract extension comes after a career-high performance that included an interception, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery for a touchdown. He also tallied 18 quarterback hits last season. Despite not being a full-time starter, his impact when on the field justified the significant investment from Pittsburgh's front office.

The linebacker joins an expensive pass rush corps alongside T.J. Watt ($41 million average) and Alex Highsmith ($17 million average). While Herbig's future is secured, cornerback Joey Porter Jr. remains without an extension as he enters the final year of his rookie deal.

Porter, also a 2023 draft pick, has started consistently in Pittsburgh's secondary with interceptions in each of his three seasons. He expressed desire for elite-level compensation while focusing on team transition under new head coach Mike McCarthy. Both players skipped individual drills Tuesday amid contract situations.