The Pittsburgh Steelers officially made TJ Watt the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history earlier this offseason. Watt landed a three-year $123 million extension with $108 million guaranteed, solidifying Watt's presence on the Steelers' defensive line for years to come. He has been a center piece on Pittsburgh's defense his entire career and the veteran will look to continue his prolonged success throughout the 2025 season.
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Steelers outside linebacker TJ Watt (90) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Watt will have major expectations in 2025 following an extension of that caliber. The veteran was credited with 11.5 sacks in 2024 and an impressive six forced fumbles throughout the year. Watt could almost double his sack total from last season in 2025, as Steelers insider Mark Kaboly took a moment to share his thoughts as to how many sacks he feels Watt could have this upcoming season. Kaboly emphatically stated Watt should have no problem reaching the 20-sack mark in 2025.
"He's going to have 20 sacks this year," Kaboly claimed.
The insider then continued to double down on his statement.
"I totally agree with you. 20," said Kaboly.
20 sacks in a season is something Watt is familiar with. The superstar linebacker was credited with 22.5 sacks in 2021 as Watt is now tied with Michael Strahan for the most sacks in a singular season in NFL history. The veteran is the Steelers' all-time sack leader as well with 108, and Watt could do some serious damage in adding to that career total throughout 2025.
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Edge rusher TJ Watt sacks former quarterback Tyler Huntley during a Pittsburgh Steelers game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Watt comes in as the fifth best pass rusher in 2025 according to ESPN. They believe the veteran will total a projected 10.7 sacks, a significant difference from what Kaboly's projection was. Watt will turn 31 years old in October, and 2025 could be a crucial period in the superstar's career as he will look to continue playing at a high level throughout the entire course of the season.
Steelers' TJ Watt Set To Play Multiple Important Roles Throughout 2025
The spotlight will be on Watt for the majority of the season following a quiet second half in 2024. Watt's main focus will be on Week 1 moving forward as the veteran's offseason was highlighted by rumors and contract drama. Watt will play multiple roles both on and off the field following his extension however, with the veteran more than likely playing an excellent mentor role towards rookies Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black.
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Pittsburgh Steelers rookies Derrick Harmon (99) and Yahya Black (78) during rookie minicamp in 2025.
Harmon could begin the regular season on the injured reserve list following an injury suffered in the final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, but the rookie will still benefit from playing alongside Watt once fully healthy. Black should quickly become a top beneficiary of playing alongside Watt as well, with both rookies learning from one of the greatest defensive players in all of football throughout their first season in the NFL. Watt will be tasked with playing at a high level throughout 2025 while also taking on a veteran leadership role as well.
Kaboly's projection for Watt's total sacks on the season is very promising for fans to see. Watt has been nothing short of elite throughout almost every stage of his career, but the veteran will face a crucial 2025 season where he will need to continue performing at a high level to help the Steelers' defense as a whole reach its potential. Pittsburgh will face the New York Jets Week 1 on the road at MetLife Stadium in a matchup involving a familiar face in Justin Fields, as Watt and the rest of Pittsburgh's defensive unit will look to get off to a hot start against the former Steelers quarterback.
Do you think TJ Watt will hit the 20-sack mark in 2025? Do you agree with ESPN naming Watt as the fifth best pass rusher this upcoming season? Let us know what your thoughts are in the comments down below!
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