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Steelers Sign Veteran Guard Nate Herbig To 2-Year, $8 Million Deal To Fortify OL Depth

Originally posted on Steeler Nation | By Spencer Schultz | Last updated 3/14/23

Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan is officially dealing. Within the matter of minutes, Khan signed veteran offensive lineman Nate Herbig, while also re-signing safety Damontae Kazee to a two-year deal. Offensive line was seen as a huge priority this offseason, and the Herbig signing greatly helps the team's depth. In his four-year career, he has started 28 games with the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles.

Perhaps most importantly, Herbig has flexibility, as he can play both guard positions. With James Daniels at right guard, it's likely that the Steelers want him at left guard. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo was first on the news , who pointed out that Herbig was with Steelers assistant GM Andy Weidl in Philadelphia for three years. The signing, just $8 million over two years, feels reminiscent of the team picking of veteran journeyman Mason Cole last offseason.

The #Steelers have agreed to terms with G Nate Herbig on a two-year deal worth $8 million with $4 million guaranteed, source says. Pittsburgh assistant GM Andy Weidl was in Philly when Herbig was with the #Eagles and believes in him as a starter.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 14, 2023

This signing will likely lead to a competition between Herbig and Kevin Dotson for the starting LG job in training camp. Additionally, it likely signifies the end of Kendrick Green's two-year tenure in Pittsburgh. After starting 15 games at center as a rookie in 2021, Green lost out the LG job to Dotson in training camp. He failed to see the field at all in 2022, showing the team's confidence level in the 2021 third-round selection.

Now Herbig is far from guaranteed to be a starter for the black and gold in 2023. An injury ended his 2022 campaign in which he started 11 games for the Jets. Before that though, he had an up-and-down season in the AFC East. Of 77 qualifying guards in 2022, Pro Football Focus ranked Herbig 51st with a 58.0 overall grade. For context, Herbig was 21 spots behind Dotson. @FrostyTalksFB on Twitter presented why this signing is a big deal though, particularly in the run game:

Nasty Nate to Pittsburgh!

Herbig is still only 24 years old with plenty of starting experience and the versatility to fill in at the center position in a pinch.

Per ESPN, he ranked 6th among all guards in run blocking win rate. Per PFF, he allowed only one sack in 424 snaps.
— Free Agency Frosty (@FrostyTalksFB) March 14, 2023

What position will Herbig play for the Steelers?

That was quite a drop off from his first three seasons in the league, including in 2021 when he ranked 13th out of 80 offensive guards. Herbig mainly played right guard for the Eagles, and he can even play some center if need be. It wouldn't make much sense for the Steelers to move Daniels though, thus the assumption he may compete for the LG spot. If not, he'll be a very good backup piece for the offensive line.

This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

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