Yaya Diaby’s future with the Buccaneers just became a lot more intriguing thanks to Nick Herbig’s $100 million contract extension
Yaya Diaby is entering a contract year with the Buccaneers and he’s been very productive over his three years in the NFL. Just how much will Nick Herbig’s pay day affect Diaby’s future negotiations with the Bucs?
Believe it or not, Yaya Diaby is entering his fourth year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
It’s crazy how time flies. It seems like just yesterday the Buccaneers drafted the former Louisville Cardinal in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Since then, Diaby has become a steady presence in the front seven while leading the Bucs in sacks over the last three seasons.
The key with Diaby’s upcoming fourth season is he’s now eligible for a contract extension. It’s totally fair to wonder what a legitimate deal looks like for him at this point of his career, because he’s been a solid, but not spectacular player.
That’s nowhere near a critique, either. Reaching “solid” status in the NFL isn’t easy and he’s definitely lived up to his draft billing.
Regardless, the Buccaneers and their fans received a good idea of what a future Diaby pay day could look like after the Pittsburgh Steelers handed EDGE Nick Herbig a four-year, $100 million extension on Tuesday.
When news broke of the Steelers signing a backup to a $100 million deal, it caught a lot of people off guard. Herbig has started just 11 games over his three-year career, and his career high in sacks is 7.5. He has a total of 16.0 sacks over three seasons. If you just look at those numbers and the lack of starts, you wonder why in the world the Steelers would ever consider signing him to such a lucrative deal.
But this contract isn’t based on what Herbig has done; it’s based on what he’s projected to do. Herbig is only 24 years old, and he has seen an increase in his sack numbers year over year. He has transformed his game from being a designated pass rusher to a three-down edge defender. But above all else, he’s explosive and efficient. Herbig led the entire NFL in pass rush win rate last season at 25%. Simply put, he doesn’t get a ton of opportunities behind Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt, but when he does, he makes the most of them. Project that over the course of a whole season, and with starting reps, and that’s how you get this kind of deal for Herbig.
Yaya Diaby’s production nearly matches that of Herbig’s over the last few years
This is an interesting comparison, due to the different roles each player has played since 2023. Diaby has basically been a starter since landing in Tampa Bay, while Herbig has been more of a situational/rotational player.
However, when you look at the metrics in the correct light, you’ll see both players are basically neck-and-neck when it comes to the key statistics that define EDGE production:
Yaya Diaby vs. Nick Herbig’s stats from 2023-2025
As discussed, Diaby and Herbig have played different roles in their respective defenses over the last few years. Therefore, using volume stats isn’t a good way to compare their production. Instead, we’ll use percentage rates. Below are some metrics using Pro Football Focus’ data when facing true pass sets.
Diaby’s numbers are on the left and Herbig’s are on the right.
- Sack rate: 3.4%/4.2%
- Pressure rate: 18%/17.6%
- Pass rush productivity: 11.1/11.9
- Win rate: 19.3%/20%
Diaby has fared better against the run, as well. He’s also taking on more of a leadership role in 2026, which only increases his value within the Buccaneers franchise.
“It is exciting, man,” Diaby told reporters when asked about his feelings on the new role. “Like, like I always tell people, you know, I feel like I’ve earned the respect of the defense, and guys can hear me and know that I have their best interest. That’s all I’m going to do is keep leading and letting my play do to do the talking.”
So, with both players on a pretty even playing field in terms of numbers and production, what happens if Diaby has an excellent year in 2026?
Worst-case scenario for the Buccaneers is also the best-case scenario
So, let’s say Diaby just rips it in 2026 and has a double-digit sack year that results in a Pro Bowl nod.
That will obviously take his market value to a whole new level and it could possibly be one that’s out of the Buccaneers’ price range. While it would be unfortunate to lose a good player, the Bucs would remain the beneficiaries of a great season from a homegrown player.
Ask any NFL GM and they’ll tell you that’s a win. Without question.
However, the Buccaneers are still better served speeding up this process. They do have other guys to think about in Baker Mayfield, Cody Mauch, and Vita Vea, but the point still remains. The new additions on defense are likely to free him up to make more plays, as well.
They can lock up Diaby now for a lot cheaper than what he’ll likely cost in 2027 and it could put them in a spot where they are getting great production at what would then be below-market value.
Diaby’s age is a big factor in his price point
Diaby turned 27 years old not too long ago – he’s three years older than Herbig.
That’s a big talking point when figuring out the price points of these deals. Three years is a big gap in the NFL. I mean, Diaby would be at least 30 years old by the end of any extension he’d receive, whereas Herbig would be in line for another big pay day at 27.
Yes, Diaby is still in his prime, so it’d make sense to still pay him what he’s worth. At the same time, NFL franchises are always considering the ceiling of a player and the projections always start with a player’s age.
It remains to be seen if that knocks Diaby’s deal down at all, but it’s certainly worth mentioning, beforehand.
Would Diaby be willing to give the Buccaneers a hometown discount?
This is the last factor to include in the conversation and it’s worth the quick minute.
It’s always lauded when a player is willing to help the franchise that is responsible for his ascension. Based on how Diaby feels about the Buccaneers, I’d say there is a chance he cuts them a little slack in future negotiations.
“I just want a ball, man,” Diaby said when asked about his contract status. “… I want to be a Buc my whole career, and that’s all I can say. But at the same time, man, that’s the least of my worries. I’m just happy to be out here with the guys, playing around, having fun, and getting after it.”
While Diaby’s comment is as generic as they come, it could certainly help early dealings if the Buccaneers decide to get serious.
Final word
Of all the players up for new deals, Diaby’s is the easiest to get done, right now. He’s not a quarterback like Mayfield, not coming off a serious injury like Mauch, and isn’t 31 years old like Vea.
He’s a consistent player in his prime and Jason Licht just saw firsthand what his market could pull with a strong 2026 season. It makes more sense to get the deal done now, than go after it next year. We’ll just have to see if Licht feels the same way or not.