The Steelers already know what T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith can do. The more interesting question for 2026 is how much Nick Herbig can change the pass-rush rotation if his role expands.
A legitimate third edge rusher is a luxury most teams do not have. For Pittsburgh, Herbig could be the difference between a defense that depends on its stars and a defense that keeps attacking even when those stars need rest.
Herbig wins with urgency
Herbig’s game is built on burst, bend and timing. He may not have Watt’s full toolbox or Highsmith’s experience, but he has shown the ability to create pressure quickly and turn limited snaps into visible production.
That matters because pass rush is not only about total sacks. Pressures, forced movement and hurried decisions can wreck drives before the box score catches up.
The Steelers can protect Watt’s workload
Watt remains the defense’s most important player, but Pittsburgh cannot treat every season like an unlimited snap count is harmless. Keeping him explosive into December and January should be part of the plan.
Herbig helps because he gives the Steelers another credible rusher in high-leverage situations. If he can handle more early-down work, Pittsburgh gains flexibility instead of only using him as a designated spark.
Highsmith benefits too
Highsmith’s value is sometimes overshadowed because Watt is the headliner. A deeper rotation can help him as well. Fewer predictable rush situations and fresher legs can turn good pressure into finished plays.
The Steelers can also use three-edge packages when the matchup calls for it. Herbig’s ability to move around the formation could help defensive coordinator Patrick Graham create cleaner one-on-one opportunities.
Run defense decides the size of the role
The question is not whether Herbig can rush the passer. The question is whether he can be trusted against the run often enough to stay on the field without becoming a tendency tell.
If offenses believe Herbig means pass, they can check into runs and screens. His expanded role depends on setting edges, tackling cleanly and surviving physical downs.
A deeper rush can change the defense
Pittsburgh’s secondary has talent, but coverage always looks better when quarterbacks cannot wait for routes to uncover. A deeper edge group can make the entire defense feel faster.
Herbig does not need to replace anyone. He needs to make the Steelers less dependent on perfect health from Watt and Highsmith. If he does, Pittsburgh’s pass rush becomes one of the roster’s safest advantages.
The larger point is that Pittsburgh’s 2026 roster cannot be evaluated through one headline or one familiar name. The Steelers are balancing a veteran quarterback window, a new coaching structure, young draft investments and several position battles that will not be settled until pads come on. That is why training camp, preseason usage and early regular-season roles will matter as much as the offseason depth chart.
For Steelers fans, the useful question is not whether the June version of the roster looks interesting. It is whether the most important pieces can translate that interest into repeatable Sunday answers: cleaner protection, better spacing, more defensive disruption and enough young development to keep the franchise from facing the same questions again next spring. That standard is simple, but it is demanding.
Roster context is current as of June 18, 2026. Follow more Steelers analysis in the Steelers Realm articles section.