The Pittsburgh Steelers' decision to sign Nick Herbig to a new deal signals a commitment to the power of a strong pass rush. With TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Herbig all vying for starter's reps, the team's playing time allocation will be a fascinating narrative to follow this season. One intriguing wrinkle that will return in 2026 is the strategic use of all three edge rushers in a package. This approach, however, may come at the expense of Payton Wilson's playing time, according to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Fittipaldo suggests that the Steelers' defensive coordinator, Patrick Graham, will prioritize setting up favorable matchups for the defense. This means matching up defensive backs with receivers and skill players with skill players. In this context, Wilson, who has developed into a strong defender in the passing game, may be less favored compared to players like Patrick Queen. Queen, despite his own criticisms, has been a reliable every-down linebacker, whereas Wilson's weaknesses against the run make him more expendable in specific situations.
The Steelers' history of investing heavily in the pass rush cannot be overlooked. With significant financial commitments to this position, the coaching staff will be under pressure to maximize its impact. This could involve rotational use of all three edge rushers or even deploying them all on the field simultaneously. However, the availability of these players will be a critical factor, as Highsmith has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, and all three missed time last year due to various ailments.
Nick Herbig's new contract ensures he will have a prominent role in the defense. For Payton Wilson, this presents an opportunity to prove his worth and demonstrate an equal level of impact. If he fails to do so, he may find himself on the sidelines, as the Steelers look to optimize their pass rush and set up favorable matchups for the defense.
In my opinion, the Steelers' approach to managing their edge rushers is a strategic one, and it will be fascinating to see how it unfolds this season. The team's commitment to a strong pass rush, combined with the potential for creative package usage, could lead to an exciting and dynamic defense. However, it will also require careful management of player availability and performance, particularly for players like Payton Wilson, who will need to step up and prove their worth.
