The Pittsburgh Steelers have felt really good about what they have in outside linebacker Nick Herbig. The Steelers drafted Herbig in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and from the start, he has shown flashes of potential with big-time splash plays. Despite his impressive moments, Herbig hasn't been able to consistently secure a large number of opportunities, especially with the depth in Pittsburgh's linebacker corps. When he has been given the chance, however, he has made the most of it, delivering in crucial moments that suggest he could be a future star for the team.
Entering into his third season, many Steelers fans are eager to see just how far Herbig can go in 2025. With the leadership of veteran TJ Watt at left outside linebacker, Herbig has had to wait his turn, but he has continued to develop behind one of the league’s best. While it’s clear that Watt will continue to dominate the snap count, Herbig’s role is expected to grow as the team looks to maximize his potential. The question on many minds is how much of an impact he can have in the coming years as he starts to carve out a more prominent spot in the defense.
Steelers insider Mark Kaboly was recently asked in his mailbag about what role Herbig will have in 2025. Kaboly gave a fair response, acknowledging that Herbig has yet to secure a full-time starting role, but also pointed out that the Steelers are excited about his potential. Entering year three, Herbig is still viewed as a rising talent, with the expectation that he’ll see more opportunities to shine. The Steelers' coaching staff remains high on his progress, and with a little more experience, Herbig could become a key contributor in the defense’s future.
"We know he’s a dynamic player who seems to come up big in big situations, but that’s all we know. Is he a specialist, or can he hold up to 60 snaps per game and still be as effective when he gets 20? Only eight of Herbig’s 30 career games did he play more than 23 snaps," Kaboly said. "You have to love his athleticism, but until he’s given a chance to do it daily, you just don’t know."
Kaboly believes the bigger question surrounding Herbig is whether he can handle an increased snap count and still maintain his effectiveness. During the 2024 season, when he was asked to take on a larger role, his impact started to wane, which is natural for most players.
However, the uncertainty remains: can Herbig consistently perform at a high level when given more playing time? Kaboly suggests that the Steelers aren’t entirely sure if he can sustain a higher workload, but if he can, his future in Pittsburgh looks incredibly promising.
Steelers' Nick Herbig Has Shown A Big Time Ability To Impact Games
Herbig has shown a remarkable ability to make splash plays, much like his teammate Watt. In his rookie season, he made an unforgettable impact with a strip-sack fumble against Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith, which played a crucial role in the game’s outcome. He continued to make big plays in 2024, solidifying his reputation as a playmaker. As he heads into his third season, fans are eager to see whether Herbig can take that next step and deliver a more consistent, game-changing impact throughout the 2025 season.
The excitement around Herbig's potential is palpable as Steelers fans look to the future. While there’s still uncertainty about his ability to handle a larger role, his knack for creating turnovers and making timely plays suggests he has the talent to become a key player in Pittsburgh's defense. If he can prove that he can sustain his effectiveness over a larger workload, the Steelers' defensive future will look even brighter with Herbig in the mix.
