The Pittsburgh Steelers signed linebacker Nick Herbig to a four-year, $100 million extension with $42 million guaranteed. Herbig recorded 30 tackles and 7.5 sacks last season, and earned a PFSN EDGE Impact score of 83.2.
At 24, securing him is a sharp move for Pittsburgh, but this deal puts T.J. Watt’s future squarely in the spotlight.
Colin Cowherd Urges Steelers to Deal T.J. Watt
At 31, age and injuries have somewhat slowed Watt lately. Last season, he recorded just seven sacks, and the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year was not as productive as in past years, adding to the ongoing debate about his future with the team.
Watt boasts eight Pro Bowl selections, four first-team All-Pros, and once matched the NFL’s single-season sack record at 22.5. Myles Garrett broke that mark in 2025.
Reflecting this debate, long-time radio host Colin Cowherd believes it’s time for the Steelers to deal with Watt. He spoke about it on “The Herd With Colin Cowherd.”
“Go get a first-round pick,” Cowherd said. “T.J. Watt gets you a first-round pick, it’s not that difficult!”
Cowherd points out recent trades: Dexter Lawrence, Garrett, Micah Parsons, and Quinnen Williams all fetched at least one first-rounder. The Packers spent two firsts for Parsons. For Garrett, the Rams gave up a first-round pick, a productive player in former first-round pick Jared Verse, plus second- and third-round picks.
“The Giants got a top-10 pick for Dexter Lawrence [after] an off season,” Cowherd explained. “The Ravens were going to give up two first-round picks for him [Maxx Crosby]!”
Cowherd doubts the Steelers will move on from aging, declining players, unlike the Rams and Eagles, whom he applauds for making those tough calls.
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Cowherd also points out another concern: “Right now the Steelers have the second-oldest and the most expensive defense,” he said, suggesting that the team’s roster could pose challenges in maintaining long-term competitiveness or managing future salary commitments.
This, as Cowherd suggests, is not an encouraging combination.
As he explains, “Nothing disqualifies you for a Super Bowl more than an old and expensive defense,” emphasizing the importance of roster management.
Trading Watt could also help address the cap situation. Watt is under a three-year, $123 million deal with Pittsburgh and is set to make a base of $32 million over the next two seasons, and $21,050,000 in 2028 before hitting free agency in 2029.
Although Watt has been a fantastic Steelers player and endeared himself to a passionate fanbase, moving on from him could allow Pittsburgh to clear cap space and get younger on defense.
