In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has pulled off a blockbuster trade, acquiring rising star edge rusher Nick Herbig from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The deal, confirmed early this morning on January 29, 2026, sees the Cowboys parting ways with their No. 12 overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft in exchange for Herbig and the Steelers’ No. 21 pick. This high-stakes swap underscores Jones’ relentless pursuit of defensive talent as the Cowboys look to rebuild their front seven under new leadership.
At first glance, the Cowboys appear to be overpaying by surrendering a top-12 selection for a fourth-year player and a later first-rounder. However, when evaluated through the lens of the NFL Draft Trade Value Chart (using Jimmy Johnson’s classic model from DraftTek), the value aligns closely. Essentially, Pittsburgh is bundling Herbig—in lieu of their second-round pick (around No. 53)—to climb nine spots in the draft. For Dallas, it’s a calculated risk to inject youth and versatility into a defense in transition.
Herbig, a 6’2”, 240-pound dynamo selected by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, has quickly emerged as one of the league’s most promising edge rushers. Despite playing in a part-time role behind established stars like T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, Herbig has showcased elite athleticism, recording impressive sack numbers and demonstrating rare positional flexibility. He can rush from the edge, stunt inside, align over the A-gap, or even drop into coverage—making him a Swiss Army knife for any defensive scheme.
The Cowboys’ motivation stems from a tumultuous 2025 season that saw defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus dismissed after just one year. Eberflus’ zone-heavy 4-3 scheme failed to generate consistent pressure, leaving Dallas vulnerable against elite offenses. With whispers of poaching Steelers’ outside linebackers coach Denzel Martin to fill the DC vacancy, the fit for Herbig becomes crystal clear. If Martin lands the job, he could mold the Cowboys’ defense around a true 3-4 front, where Herbig’s skill set would thrive as a foundational piece.
“Nick Herbig is the kind of player you build a defense around,” said FanSided’s senior NFL contributor Marcus Mosher, who first mocked this trade scenario. “He’s young, explosive, and versatile. For a Cowboys team itching to break away from their recent defensive woes, this is a home run.”
Jerry Jones, never one to shy away from headlines, addressed the trade in a press conference: “We’ve got to get tougher up front. Herbig brings that fire we’ve been missing. Sending out our first-rounder? That’s the price of winning in this league.” The move also aligns with Dallas’ long-term vision, as Herbig enters a contract year and could be extended on a team-friendly deal before hitting free agency.
On the other side, the Steelers are navigating a new era under head coach Mike McCarthy, who took the reins after Mike Tomlin’s departure. McCarthy inherits a roster depleted by years of short-sighted decisions under former GM Kevin Colbert and Tomlin, particularly in the drafts from 2018 to 2022. However, since Omar Khan assumed the GM role and assistant GM Andy Weidl revamped the draft board in 2023, Pittsburgh has unearthed gems like Herbig, Joey Porter Jr., Zach Frazier, and Derrick Harmon.
Trading Herbig, while painful, makes strategic sense. The Steelers are already committed to massive contracts for Watt and Highsmith, with Highsmith turning 29 before the 2026 season and potentially seeking an extension by 2027. Herbig’s youth (he’s just 24) gives him premium trade value, allowing Pittsburgh to move up in the draft without sacrificing additional picks.
With the No. 12 selection, McCarthy could target a game-changing wide receiver to anchor his offense—much like his first draft pick with the Cowboys in 2020, when he selected CeeDee Lamb. Top prospects like Arizona State’s Jordan Tyson or USC’s Makai Lemon fit the bill as do-it-all weapons capable of running the full route tree and elevating the passing game.
“This trade gives us the ammo to land a true WR1,” Khan stated in a team release. “Nick has been phenomenal, but we’re building for sustained success. Moving up to No. 12 opens doors we couldn’t access otherwise.”
For Dallas, acquiring Herbig could accelerate their defensive renaissance, especially if paired with Martin’s promotion. The Cowboys’ fanbase, starved for a deep playoff run, will view this as Jones’ latest “all-in” moment—echoing his history of daring trades and signings.
In Pittsburgh, the deal provides draft capital to address offensive needs, but it thins an already elite edge-rushing group. If Highsmith is traded later, the Steelers’ defense could look markedly different by opening day.
While this trade originated as a mock projection, its realization highlights the fluid nature of NFL offseasons. As the 2026 draft approaches, all eyes will be on how these picks pan out and whether Herbig becomes the star Dallas envisions.
Stay tuned for more updates as free agency heats up—this bombshell is just the beginning of what promises to be a wild offseason for both franchises.
