The Dallas Cowboys have been relatively quiet on the trade market after sending defensive cornerstone Micah Parsons to Green Bay ahead of the regular season.
Since that happened, unsurprisingly, their defense has been criticized often, with their pass rush in particular lacking. Through eight games, the Cowboys have managed 15 sacks, which is why some analysts believe Dallas could still add another edge before the trade deadline hits on November 4.
CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell had an interesting name as a possibility for Dallas: Nick Herbig of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher Nick Herbig has a 94.0 defensive grade from PFF since Week 4, the best in the NFL, via Fansided’s Marcus Mosher,” Podell wrote, adding:
“However, he appears to be on the outs with the Steelers’ coaching staff: Herbig’s 52 defensive snaps across the last two weeks are 14th among his Pittsburgh teammates. Incredibly odd considering he leads the Steelers in sacks with 4.5 this season, half a sack more than T.J. Watt’s 4.0. He is set to enter the final year of his rookie deal in 2026, but it could be worth the Cowboys picking up the phone to see what his price may be.”
A Closer Look at Herbig’s Game
GettyThe Dallas Cowboys should try to trade for Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig.
The 6-foot-2, 240-pound Steelers linebacker was a fourth-round pick in 2023 (No. 132 overall) after starring at Wisconsin, and he has shown steady growth since entering the league.
Across his three seasons, Herbig has been the third edge behind superstar T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Despite playing limited snaps, he has managed to become quite the disruptor.
Through six games in 2025, he has 13 career sacks, eight forced fumbles, one interception and 65 total tackles—matching or topping what many rotational rushers do in double the playing time. In 2024, he finished with 5.5 sacks and four passes defensed, then opened 2025 with 4.5 more sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception as his role grew on passing downs.
Even as a rookie in 2023, Herbig was one of the league’s most efficient pressure creators on a per-snap basis, a trend that carried into 2024 and 2025. His hot start this season — he had 20 pressures in his first four games — should absolutely intrigue Dallas.
Why the Dallas Cowboys Should Try to Trade for Steelers Edge Nick Herbig
Herbig would be a great piece for defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, whose defense emphasizes takeaways and sound tackling. Herbig’s knack for strip and hustle sacks would make him both a nice fit and an exciting addition.
The cost should also interest Dallas. Herbig is still on his rookie deal, which matters a great deal for a Cowboys roster currently juggling extensions elsewhere. Also, Pittsburgh has Watt and Highsmith entrenched, making Herbig — we won’t say expendable — but certainly worth checking in on if you’re Jerry Jones.
If he maintains anything close to his 2025 start, he’d be an immediate upgrade for a Cowboys defense that hasn’t played well or consistent all year.
He’s still only 23, which is another thing to love if you’re Dallas. That could make his price tag a bit higher, but considering his current usage in Pittsburgh, Herbig is definitely a player the Cowboys should be monitoring.
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