Steelers Receive Dreadful Assessment Regarding Star Edge Rusher TJ Watt

The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a period of their franchise where many fan favorites and elite players are nearing the end of their careers. The age of several of their stars is catching up to them, and when they officially move on from the team, it will be sad days for this organization. Fans are dreading the day when it's over for guys like Cam Heyward, and the same will be said for TJ Watt. 

Regarding Watt, we are entering a period where his production hasn't been nearly as good as it used to be. While it very well could have been injury-related in 2025, there just isn't as much explosiveness off the line compared to a few years ago. 2026 will play a major role with where he is moving forward in his career, but at 32, things aren't looking as promising.

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo spoke on 93.7 The Fan on Thursday regarding the status of Watt, and what he discussed was exactly what fans do not want to hear. The conversation was on a recent ranking where Watt came in at 7th in the league as far as top edge rushers, dropping five spots from the year before. It's clear that he is no longer the player that he was a few years ago, but grasping where he is at now is disappointing for Steeler Nation.

"I still think he’s a top five edge rusher," Fittipaldo stated. "The days of him being compared to Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons, guys like that -- those days are over. TJ is 32 now and those guys are still in their prime. I think TJ is either exiting his prime or is past his prime."

Fittipaldo described Watt either exiting his prime, or already past it. Watt has been such a great player in his time in Pittsburgh and understanding that he truly might be on the decline is a tough pill for fans to swallow. While the Steelers have technically prepared for this kind of development by extending young edge rusher Nick Herbig, it still doesn't change the fact that a generational talent like Watt might not be the same player he once was moving forward. 

With all the recent rumored talk around potentially trading Alex Highsmith, or even Watt, a regression in 2025 ultimately tanked Watt's value. If Pittsburgh wants to feel comfortable making a trade of a player like Highsmith, then they need Watt to break out again in 2026. Even though he may be nearing the end of his career, maybe a healthy Watt can be different and bring back similar production to what he used to do. Coaches and fans won't be asking for a 20+ sack season, but getting at least double-digits in 2026 will be very crucial to the Steelers' success.

There has also been talk about moving Watt around the defense a little more to get all of their weapons on the field at once. Regardless of where he is, the Steelers just need him to start moving like he was before 2025. A little speed boost, a little more energy off the line, whatever it is, Watt and the Steelers just need some improvement.

Steelers Need TJ Watt To Prove Reporters Wrong

Hearing reporters say that Watt is past his prime is sad for Steelers fans to hear and accept. Watt will look to silence these reports and help lead the Steelers to their first playoff win in years.

With a strong front seven assisting him, along with a revamped secondary and a new coaching scheme, Watt should have everything he needs to have a bounce back season in 2026.

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