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Steelers Secure Two Draft Picks with Five-Year Contracts, Highlighting Depth but Star Power Gap
The Pittsburgh Steelers closed the week with a clear signal of intent: two five‑year extensions for edge rusher Nick Herbig and tight end Darnell Washington. The contracts—$103.67 million for Herbig, with $42 million guaranteed, and $45.674 million for Washington—cement the pair’s place in the franchise’s long‑term plans.
Herbig, a fourth‑round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has shown the kind of playmaking flashes that keep a team’s front office hopeful. Over his first three seasons, he tallied 29 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and a forced fumble in 2025. Those numbers, while modest, illustrate a player who has yet to earn a permanent starting spot behind a defensive line that boasts future Hall of Famers Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt. The extension reflects the Steelers’ belief that, with time, he can grow into a more significant role.
Washington, selected in the third round of the same draft, posted a career‑best 31 receptions for 364 yards and a touchdown in 2025. Standing 6‑7 and weighing 255 pounds, he is also a formidable blocking threat. Locking him into a long‑term deal signals Pittsburgh’s intent to build a dependable offensive core around a player who has already demonstrated consistent production.
Both athletes were drafted under the stewardship of general manager Omar Khan, who entered the Steelers’ front office in 2022. Their arrivals in 2023 marked the beginning of a three‑year window in which the franchise has steadily added depth on both sides of the ball. The contracts underscore the organization’s view of Herbig and Washington as “fringe starters” who could become key contributors as the roster ages.
The Steelers’ current roster is peppered with elite talent, yet the team’s star power remains uneven. Defensively, Heyward and Watt have been among the league’s best for several seasons, anchoring a line that can dominate opponents. Offensively, however, the team has struggled to produce a consistent impact player. The only bright spot was former wide receiver George Pickens, who departed the team and never fully realized his potential. According to the author of the original analysis, the Steelers possess a solid depth chart but lack a “face of the franchise” who can carry the team into the playoffs.
The extensions also illustrate the Steelers’ roster‑building philosophy. The organization has leaned on the draft and free agency to add depth, avoiding the high salaries typically associated with star players. While the author of the analysis suggests that this strategy has yielded more hits than misses, the lack of superstar talent remains a concern.
Looking forward, the Steelers will rely on the development of Herbig and Washington as the veteran core ages. The front office faces a decision: pursue additional high‑profile talent or continue to build around the depth created in recent drafts. The contracts set a precedent for future extensions of draft picks who become reliable contributors.
As the Steelers enter the next season, the focus will be on maintaining competitiveness while addressing the gap in star talent. The five‑year deals for Herbig and Washington provide a foundation for the team’s future, but the franchise must evaluate its long‑term strategy if it hopes to return to the playoffs and contend for a championship.
Herbig, a fourth‑round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has shown the kind of playmaking flashes that keep a team’s front office hopeful. Over his first three seasons, he tallied 29 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and a forced fumble in 2025. Those numbers, while modest, illustrate a player who has yet to earn a permanent starting spot behind a defensive line that boasts future Hall of Famers Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt. The extension reflects the Steelers’ belief that, with time, he can grow into a more significant role.
Washington, selected in the third round of the same draft, posted a career‑best 31 receptions for 364 yards and a touchdown in 2025. Standing 6‑7 and weighing 255 pounds, he is also a formidable blocking threat. Locking him into a long‑term deal signals Pittsburgh’s intent to build a dependable offensive core around a player who has already demonstrated consistent production.
Both athletes were drafted under the stewardship of general manager Omar Khan, who entered the Steelers’ front office in 2022. Their arrivals in 2023 marked the beginning of a three‑year window in which the franchise has steadily added depth on both sides of the ball. The contracts underscore the organization’s view of Herbig and Washington as “fringe starters” who could become key contributors as the roster ages.
The Steelers’ current roster is peppered with elite talent, yet the team’s star power remains uneven. Defensively, Heyward and Watt have been among the league’s best for several seasons, anchoring a line that can dominate opponents. Offensively, however, the team has struggled to produce a consistent impact player. The only bright spot was former wide receiver George Pickens, who departed the team and never fully realized his potential. According to the author of the original analysis, the Steelers possess a solid depth chart but lack a “face of the franchise” who can carry the team into the playoffs.
The extensions also illustrate the Steelers’ roster‑building philosophy. The organization has leaned on the draft and free agency to add depth, avoiding the high salaries typically associated with star players. While the author of the analysis suggests that this strategy has yielded more hits than misses, the lack of superstar talent remains a concern.
Looking forward, the Steelers will rely on the development of Herbig and Washington as the veteran core ages. The front office faces a decision: pursue additional high‑profile talent or continue to build around the depth created in recent drafts. The contracts set a precedent for future extensions of draft picks who become reliable contributors.
As the Steelers enter the next season, the focus will be on maintaining competitiveness while addressing the gap in star talent. The five‑year deals for Herbig and Washington provide a foundation for the team’s future, but the franchise must evaluate its long‑term strategy if it hopes to return to the playoffs and contend for a championship.
