Nick Herbig is the first player from the Steelers' 2023 draft class to get a second contract. If the Steelers have it their way, he won't be the last.
In his press conference to announce his new four-year, $100 million extension, Herbig made it clear he's just as interested in keeping the class together.
"Yeah, I'd love to keep that whole class here," Herbig said Wednesday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "It was our class that really set it off, and I think we got a bunch of dogs in there. I'm excited. I think some things are going to happen. I hope so. You know, Keeanu Benton is a dog. He's definitely one of the best in the league. I played, this is my about my seventh year playing with him. I want to play my whole career with that guy. Me and Joey [Porter Jr.] developed a great bond. He's a dog too. We need a lockdown corner. Darnell [Washington] is a freak of nature. He's like a monster, so definitely need Darnell back. Spencer [Anderson] is a dog too, and we still got Broderick [Jones], like we got dogs all across the board."
All the players mentioned by Herbig, with the possible exception of Jones, are in line for extension talks with the team. Porter is the top priority, but he could also be the most difficult to sign. Cornerbacks are expensive, and Porter's growth in 2025 catapulted him into the same conversation as the NFL's elite players at the position.
Even with Benton, Washington and Anderson, the Steelers are open to getting deals done. There is some hesitation, however, about giving all of those players second contracts because of salary cap considerations. The Steelers have plenty of future cap space, especially since they currently aren't paying a franchise quarterback. However, there is still a limit to how much can be done.
Now that Herbig's contract is finalized, attention shifts to Porter. If the Steelers can get a deal done before training camp, it could provide a clearer picture of how much room remains to potentially lock up Benton, Washington and Anderson as well.
THE ASYLUM
Herbig wants to keep 2023 class together
Nick Herbig is the first player from the Steelers' 2023 draft class to get a second contract. If the Steelers have it their way, he won't be the last.
In his press conference to announce his new four-year, $100 million extension, Herbig made it clear he's just as interested in keeping the class together.
"Yeah, I'd love to keep that whole class here," Herbig said Wednesday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "It was our class that really set it off, and I think we got a bunch of dogs in there. I'm excited. I think some things are going to happen. I hope so. You know, Keeanu Benton is a dog. He's definitely one of the best in the league. I played, this is my about my seventh year playing with him. I want to play my whole career with that guy. Me and Joey [Porter Jr.] developed a great bond. He's a dog too. We need a lockdown corner. Darnell [Washington] is a freak of nature. He's like a monster, so definitely need Darnell back. Spencer [Anderson] is a dog too, and we still got Broderick [Jones], like we got dogs all across the board."
All the players mentioned by Herbig, with the possible exception of Jones, are in line for extension talks with the team. Porter is the top priority, but he could also be the most difficult to sign. Cornerbacks are expensive, and Porter's growth in 2025 catapulted him into the same conversation as the NFL's elite players at the position.
Even with Benton, Washington and Anderson, the Steelers are open to getting deals done. There is some hesitation, however, about giving all of those players second contracts because of salary cap considerations. The Steelers have plenty of future cap space, especially since they currently aren't paying a franchise quarterback. However, there is still a limit to how much can be done.
Now that Herbig's contract is finalized, attention shifts to Porter. If the Steelers can get a deal done before training camp, it could provide a clearer picture of how much room remains to potentially lock up Benton, Washington and Anderson as well.
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