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Analysts Link SteelersNick Herbig to 49ers in Draft-Time Trade Scenarios

Public debate reflects Pittsburgh's choice on cost versus depth for a productive backup.

Overview

  • FOX SportsRalph Vacchiano, in coverage echoed Friday by multiple outlets, floated a draft-week deal that sends Herbig to San Francisco for pick No. 58 and a conditional 2027 fifth-rounder.
  • Herbig remains under contract for 2026 with no extension announced, and GM Omar Khan has said the team wants him in Pittsburgh long term.
  • Steelers insider Mark Kaboly suggested a short-term solution, proposing a two-year, $30 million extension, though he questioned whether Herbig would accept it.
  • Interest in Herbig stems from both need and production, as the 24-year-old has 16 career sacks with 7.5 in 2025 despite limited starts behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.
  • San Francisco’s case for a trade is need-driven after only 20 sacks last season, with Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams returning from ACL injuries and Bryce Huff now retired, while Pittsburgh already carries heavy cap charges at edge and could weigh offers against depth needs.