Pittsburgh Steelers superstar pass rusher TJ Watt received a massive contract extension worth $123 million. That contract was enormous, carrying an annual average of $41 million over three years, and $108 million guaranteed. The deal runs through the 2028 season, and many Steelers fans were thrilled when it finally got done. Watt has consistently set the bar incredibly high year after year in the Steel City, establishing himself as one of the most dominant defensive players of his era. Because of that standard, even a slightly quieter season can feel like a major drop-off.
Mike J. Terrill / AP Photo
Steelers edge rusher TJ Watt stands on stage at the 2021 NFL Honors Ceremony as he accepts the award for Defensive Player of the Year after a phenomenal season.
During the 2025 season, many believed Watt had a down year. The former Defensive Player of the Year winner finished with just seven sacks. He also recorded two interceptions and added three forced fumbles. Statistically, it was far from a bad season for most defenders around the league. For Watt, however, the production felt underwhelming compared to the explosive numbers fans had become accustomed to seeing.
At the same time, several other elite pass rushers around the NFL captured the spotlight. Players like Trey Hendrickson, Maxx Crosby, Micah Parsons, and Myles Garrett generated massive sack totals and highlight plays that dominated headlines throughout the season. As those stars surged, at least in the headlines, Watt’s quieter statistical output made it easy for many around the league, and even portions of the Steelers' fan base, to feel somewhat down about his performance in 2025.
Matt Durisko / AP Photo
Steelers' TJ Watt chats with Browns' Myles Garrett after a game in the Steel City.
However, the story behind Watt’s season is more complicated than the raw numbers suggest. Throughout the year, opposing offensive lines made it clear that their top priority was limiting Watt’s impact. Week after week, he faced constant double teams, chips from tight ends, and extra attention in pass protection schemes. Offensive coordinators understood that Watt is one of the league’s ultimate game wreckers. If he gets even a small window to take over a game, he has repeatedly shown the ability to completely disrupt opposing offenses.
When an entire protection scheme is designed to slow down one defender, someone else on the defensive front has to capitalize. In 2025, the Steelers did not always get that complementary production. As a result, Watt often absorbed the attention without the defense fully benefiting from it statistically.
Young defensive lineman Derrick Harmon is beginning to emerge as a legitimate presence up front. As Harmon continues developing and the rest of Pittsburgh’s defensive front grows into their roles, opposing offenses may no longer be able to devote quite as many resources solely to Watt. Of course, he will always command a certain level of attention and respect from offensive lines across the league. Players with his reputation simply do.
Steelers' TJ Watt Will Be Motivated To Remind The NFL World Who He Is
Now 31 years old, Watt remains one of the most technically refined and physically dominant edge rushers in football. His motor, instincts, and ability to create turnovers have always separated him from the rest of the league. If the Steelers’ defensive line provides even a little more balance and pressure around him, Watt could quickly find himself with far more opportunities to get after the quarterback.
Rather than signaling a decline, it may simply represent a year where opposing offenses sold out to stop him. If that attention begins to spread across Pittsburgh’s defensive front in 2026, Watt could be positioned for another massive season.
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Steelers edge rusher TJ Watt sets up at the line of scrimmage as he prepares to rush the passer as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
If the circumstances break the right way, Watt could re-enter the league’s elite conversation and push himself right back into the Defensive Player of the Year race. Steelers fans should not be shocked if the veteran star does not just return to form in 2026, but reaches another level entirely. Especially after hearing all 2025 season about how he wasn't the same player anymore. Expect a very motivated Watt in the 2026 NFL season.
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