Plus, two mid-round Steelers rookies stand out, and a former first-rounder tries to make it as a tryout player.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have locked down the future of their pass-rushing unit after signing Nick Herbig to a massive contract extension. But at some point, the Steelers will have to move off a starter.

Steelers edge rusher T.J.

The Steelers' massive new contract for Nick Herbig sparked immediate speculation about the future of T.J. Watt.

T.J. Watt to the Detroit Lions sounds like a dream, but once you project the cap hits, trade cost, and what it does to future extensions, the numbers completely fall apart-and that's before reality even gets involved.

Steelers' Pass Rush Returns to Elite w/ Nick Herbig Signing? T.J. Watt to Move Around Defense

Nick Herbig was holding back tears at multiple moments during a news conference announcing his four-year contract extension with the team Wednesday. “I believe that I was born to be a Steeler,” Herbig said.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 16: Head coach Mike Tomlin and T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers walk off the field after a loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 16, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Per Dianna Russini, Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt is not expected to attend the team’s mandatory minicamp. Adam Schefter mentions that Hendrickson can be subjected to fines for missing three days, $17,