The Pittsburgh Steelers have made some big moves throughout the first week of June. They've been participating in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp, while also getting some internal contract work done. It was known entering the 2026 offseason that the Steelers had some organizational decisions to make when it comes to some extension-eligible players, mostly guys that were selected back during the 2023 NFL Draft. The franchise has already gotten two of those deals done as outside linebacker Nick Herbig and tight end Darnell Washington each got extensions tying them to the team through the 2030 season.
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Steelers edge rusher Nick Herbig begins to sprint forward as he goes through a workout while the team practices during 2025 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Both extensions that the Steelers have given out have shocked some fans due to the value of the deals, but both players deserve every penny that they signed for. Herbig's deal is for four years and it is worth $100 million, with $42 million guaranteed, which is unprecedented for a player that has not been a starter throughout the beginning of his career. He is thought to be the first $100 million player that has not started for a season in the league's history.
Fans that watch every Steelers game know that Herbig is worthy of this new deal, and he will eventually be starting when either Alex Highsmith or TJ Watt move on. However, it took many people by surprise. Travis Kelce reacted to the new deal on the most recent episode of New Heights, and as his brother was explaining it to him, he was clearly taken by surprise.
"Who is this guy? It doesn't ring a bell. This is legit? Who is this guy?" Kelce exclaimed. "Congrats to the big dog on making $100 mil."
Kelce did not seem to know who Herbig was at all, despite the fact that the two played one another near the end of the regular season in 2024. There is a chance that the two were lined up across from each other more than once during that contest, as that is usually the case for outside linebackers and tight ends.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers' TJ Watt and the defense making a tackle on Chiefs' Travis Kelce on Christmas Day in 2024.
It is important to note that Kelce was not intentionally being disrespectful by any means. He simply had forgotten who Herbig was. He lives a busy, life so it is understandable, and he eventually came around, at least finally acting like he knew who Herbig was. Although, all he did was really just recite his brother's sentiments.
"I know exactly who you're talking about," Kelce finally said. "In my mind, he's exactly that. He's a Badger. He's like f*ckin', just, he's everywhere. Smart player. Got the motor."
Kelce pretty much just stated what his brother did while also dishing out some other football cliches. That's fine, people and players around the league do not need to know who Herbig is right now. Eventually they will, as he has continued to just get better and better over the years.
Steelers' Nick Herbig Is In Line For A Bigger Role In 2026
Herbig usually just filled in for either Watt or Highsmith, and there were times where the Steelers tried to get all three of them on the field at once during the 2025 season. It did not happen nearly enough, but that should not be the case in 2026. Pittsburgh signing Herbig to this large deal means that the organization has some belief and plan that the coaching staff can make things work with the three star players.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers edge rushers Nick Herbig, Alex Highsmith, and TJ Watt listen to the anthem before an NFL game in 2023.
Watt has already mentioned that he is open to moving around, and Herbig showed he was during the 2025 season. Highsmith can play wherever on the defensive front as well. This should lead to more production for Herbig in 2026.
What do you think about Kelce's comments on the Herbig extension? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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