The underlying message is about value and morale. Dallas has faced costly contract decisions over time, and letting Pickens walk for a second straight season could hurt team chemistry. Ballentine suggests acquiring a young, affordable edge rusher like Herbig could help the defense without derailing long‑term cap plans.
Herbig, at 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, has produced more than his role suggests. Over three seasons since being a 2023 fourth‑round pick, he has 16.0 sacks in 45 games (11 starts), including a career-high 7.5 sacks in 15 games with 6 starts in 2025. Ballentine argues his trajectory indicates potential far beyond his current opportunities behind Pittsburgh stars T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith.
One potential hurdle for the Cowboys is Herbig’s size. Dallas already has an undersized edge presence in its current mix, and there’s concern about adding another similar body. The Cowboys’ 2025 second-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku (6-foot-2, 248 pounds) showed flashes but also faces off-field concerns after a January arrest for reckless driving, complicating his role on a rebuilding edge unit.
From the Steelers’ side, Highsmith is under contract for two more years, and Herbig is entering the final year of his rookie deal, making him an appealing trade chip. Pittsburgh’s edge room is crowded, which could motivate a move if Dallas values a cost-controlled, young rusher who could eventually contribute on a broader scale.
In the broader context, Dallas aims to balance strengthening the defense with preserving resources to keep Pickens in the building. The article frames Herbig as the most plausible, value-driven target for the Cowboys this offseason, offering a path to improved pass rush without overspending.
This summary reflects Heavy Sports’ analysis, which framed Nick Herbig as the top trade target for Dallas and examined the fit, potential benefits, and risks of such a move.
