Steelers Consider Reunion with Nate Herbig Following Retirement Reversal
The Pittsburgh Steelers are exploring the possibility of reuniting with offensive lineman Nate Herbig, who recently made headlines after reversing his decision to retire. Once a familiar face in Pittsburgh, Herbig has returned to the team’s facility while preparing for their upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland.
Herbig’s Surprising Comeback
Herbig’s journey took an unexpected turn when he was placed on the reserve/retired list by the Washington Commanders in late July. However, just last week, he was released from that designation, making him a free agent once more. This change of heart has opened the door for a potential return to the Steelers, where he previously signed a two-year contract worth $8 million before the 2023 season.
The Steelers currently face a pressing need for depth on their offensive line, especially after Max Scharping suffered a torn ACL during practice. Herbig, now 30, could provide the veteran experience that the team requires as they head into the latter part of the season.
Familiarity with the Franchise
Herbig is no stranger to Pittsburgh. In his last season with the Steelers, he participated in all 17 games and started two, even sharing the locker room with his brother, Nick, who was drafted by the team in 2023. Unfortunately, Herbig’s previous season was marred by injury; a torn rotator cuff in August sidelined him for the entire year, allowing Zach Frazier to step in as the starting center.
After signing a one-year contract with the Commanders in March, Herbig was anticipated to secure a spot on the 53-man roster. His early retirement, however, prematurely concluded his tenure with Washington, prompting his return to the Steelers.
A Journey Through the NFL
Before his time with the Steelers, Herbig played for several teams in the NFL. His collegiate career at Stanford spanned from 2016 to 2018, but he went undrafted in 2019. He began his professional journey with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he made a mark in his rookie season, appearing in two games.
Herbig’s contributions grew in subsequent seasons; he played in 15 games and started 12 in 2020, followed by 16 games with five starts in 2021. His tenure with the Eagles ended when he was released after signing a restricted free agent tender in 2022, leading to a brief stint with the New York Jets, where he started 11 games before joining the Steelers.
As the Steelers weigh their options, Herbig’s potential return could provide a valuable boost to their offensive line, underscoring the unpredictable nature of an NFL season and the ever-evolving dynamics of team rosters.
