Background & College Career
Nate Herbig was born July 10, 1998, in Lihue, Hawaii. He attended Saint Louis School in Honolulu before committing to Stanford University, where he played three seasons on the offensive line. He earned First-Team All‑Pac‑12 in 2017and Second-Team honors in 2018, starting mostly at guard with occasional snaps at tackle Hogs Haven+14Wikipedia+14Salary Sport+14.
Rather than take a senior year, Herbig entered the 2019 NFL Draft but went undrafted and signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent in April 2019 Wikipedia+1Hogs Haven+1.
NFL Career Timeline & Stats
Philadelphia Eagles (2019–2021)
Herbig made his NFL debut in December 2019, appearing in two games. In 2020, he became a starter at right guard, playing in 15 games, 12 starts. In 2021, he appeared in 16 games with 5 starts, stepping in due to injuries on the lineWikipedia.
New York Jets (2022)
Claimed off waivers in May 2022, Herbig started 11 games at guard for the Jets. He ended the season on injured reserve after the team’s postseason push in January 2023 Over the Cap+15Wikipedia+15Commanders+15.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2023–2024)
In March 2023, Herbig signed a two‑year, $8 million deal with the Steelers, reportedly including $4 million guaranteedCommanders+2Reddit+2Hogs Haven+2.
He played 17 games in 2023, starting twice at guard and center, and notably did not commit a penalty Commanders.
However, during training camp in August 2024, Herbig tore his rotator cuff, ending his 2024 season prematurely as he was placed on season‑ending injured reserve Over the Cap+15Steelers Now+15Steelers Now+15.
Washington Commanders (2025)
In March 2025, Herbig was signed by the Washington Commanders to a one‑year, Veteran Benefit deal, valued at $1,337,500 with $642,500 guaranteed—a cost‑effective depth pickup given his ability to play both guard spots and center Spotrac+6Hogs Haven+6Hogs Haven+6.
He was subsequently placed on the Reserve/Retired list on July 29, 2025, effectively ending his active status with the team Commanders.
Contract Breakdown & Salary History
Value & Terms
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2025 Commanders contract: One year at $1,337,500 total value ($1,170,000 base + $142,500 signing bonus + $25,000 workout bonus), with $500,000 guaranteed salary and $642,500 total guarantees Over the Cap.
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His Steelers deal (2023–24): Two-year, $8 million with $4 million guaranteed, averaging $4M/APY Steelers Now+2Steelers Now+2Reddit+2.
Career Earnings
According to OverTheCap:
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Total career earnings: roughly $11,510,000, with projected potential up to $12.7M†, including bonuses Over the CapOver the Cap.
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SalarySport lists career earnings of $12.465M, with net worth estimated at $12,465,500 Steelers Now+5Salary Sport+5Over the Cap+5.
Salary Cap Impact
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With Pittsburgh in 2024: Herbig carried a cap hit of $5.46M, one of the team’s higher figures that year Over the Cap+14TribLIVE.com+14Steelers Depot+14.
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In Washington for 2025: His veteran benefit deal results in a modest $1.1975M cap charge—about 0.40% of cap—giving the team flexibility to manage depth and draft needs Over the Cap+1Over the Cap+1.
Injury History
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Torn rotator cuff in August 2024: occurred during Steelers training camp, ending his season before it began. Recovery timeline estimates were 28 weeks for surgery, potentially sidelining him through February 2025 Steelers Depot+5Steelers Now+5Steelers Now+5.
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He had no prior major injuries recorded at the professional level, though he missed a few games in college season due to injury during his junior year Wikipedia.
Commanders deemed him healthy for 2025 signing, citing his recovery from the injury and his positional versatilitySpotrac.
On‑Field Performance & Stats
NFL Career Totals (through 2024)
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Games Played: 61
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Games Started: 30
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Fumble Recoveries: 1 (no interceptions) Wikipedia.
Yearly Snap & Start Overview
From Pro Football Reference data through early 2025:
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2019 (Eagles): 2 games, 0 starts
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2020: 15 games, 12 starts
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2021: 16 games, 5 starts
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2022 (Jets): 11 games, 11 starts
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2023 (Steelers): 17 games, 2 starts HERO Sports+2Hogs Haven+2Over the Cap+2Commanders+3Wikipedia+3Over the Cap+3.
OTC’s tracking shows over five seasons: 61 GP, 30 GS Over the Cap+2Hogs Haven+2Over the Cap+2.
Strengths & Role
Herbig is valued for:
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Positional versatility, able to back up both guard positions and center.
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Run‑blocking proficiency, often highlighted as a cheap, effective depth option for teams looking to improve interior line play Hogs Haven.
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Penalty‑free consistency, notably in 2023, when he played all games and recorded zero penaltiesCommandersWikipedia.
Net Worth & Financial Profile
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Net worth is estimated at $12.46 million, based on cumulative career earnings, primarily from base salaries and signing bonuses Salary SportOver the Cap.
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Herbig has earned close to $12–12.7 million over six accrued NFL seasons Over the CapSalary Sport.
Summary Table
Category | Details |
---|---|
Position | Guard / Center (Interior O‑Line) |
College | Stanford University (All‑Pac‑12 honors in 2017 & 2018) |
NFL Teams | Eagles (2019‑21), Jets (2022), Steelers (2023‑24), Commanders (2025) |
Games / Starts | 61 games, 30 starts (through 2024) |
Main Injury | Torn rotator cuff (2024, season-ending) |
2025 Contract | One‑year, $1,337,500 (veteran benefit deal, $642,500 guarantees) |
Previous Deal | 2‑year, $8M deal with Steelers ($4M guaranteed) |
Estimated Net Worth | ~$12.46 M |
Final Thoughts
Nate Herbig has carved out a niche as a versatile interior offensive lineman, climbing from undrafted free agent status to a veteran with over 30 starts in the NFL. His career earnings and estimated net worth align with his contributions as a reliable depth piece. While the 2024 rotator cuff injury derailed a season, his 2025 Commanders signing offered a calculated, low‑risk opportunity for both team and player. Though now placed on the Reserve/Retired list as of July 29, 2025, his journey remains an example of resilience and adaptability in a highly competitive professional environment