The Pittsburgh Steelers are about to embark on one of their more interesting seasons in recent history. With almost an entirely new coaching staff under head coach Mike McCarthy, many are anticipating how much change could be in the air and what will be different. The team will also provide tons of answers to questions that many have as it enters a new era of football in the Steel City. With many free-agent acquisitions this offseason, there will be plenty of new faces on the field. There is still one critical question, however, that will remain heading into 2027 for the franchise.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy works with the team during organized team activities (OTAs).
One of the biggest questions for this year is if the defense can turn things around in the Steel City given the history of great defenses the franchise has seen. Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham is entering year one with the Black and Gold, but provides a lot of NFL experience. He has far more talent to work with compared to his most recent tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders. This is especially true in the trio of edge rushers TJ Watt, Nick Herbig, and Alex Highsmith.
However, a critical decision looms when it comes to that collective beyond the 2026 season. In a recent appearance on 93.7 The Fan, team insider Mark Kaboly discussed what Watt could do to have an improved season following an underwhelming 2025; but, the beat writer also brought up a disappointing future outlook for the pass rushers. While they will all be together in 2026 for Graham, Kaboly mentioned that one of them will be gone soon.
“The best thing for TJ Watt is to stay healthy for 17 games, into the playoffs if it’s 18 games,” Kaboly said. “If you have to limit some of his snaps, that is probably the best-case scenario. The way I look at it is this, one of those guys are gone next year. I don’t think it’s TJ [Watt], I don’t think it’s [Nick] Herbig.”
Highsmith leaving Pittsburgh would be a huge loss, especially after former NFL general manager Doug Whaley mentioned that he thinks he could be a top-10 player at his position. He started in 13 games for the Black and Gold in 2025, and added 9.5 sacks. To go along with that, he also had 15 tackles for loss as well as a forced fumble. As recently as 2022, he also had a career-high five forced fumbles as well as 14.5 sacks.
Justin Guido / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith walks off the field after a Steelers road game.
Steelers' Edge Rushing Trio Has Chance To Shine
All signs point to this trio not being able to be kept together, especially given Herbig's extension and Whaley's comments about what Highsmith could play himself into. However, they have the chance to shine bright on the field — like they typically do — in Graham's first year as their defensive coordinator. The organization also has Jack Sawyer entering his second year, who could end up being the heir apparent should Highsmith part ways with the team.
He was featured as a linebacker during his time in college at Ohio State. However, he profiles just like the edge rushing trio that has established themselves as a dominant force given his physical traits. The team will most likely try to give him an expanded role in the 2026 season considering a departure is most likely looming after this season.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers edge rushers Nick Herbig, Alex Highsmith, and TJ Watt listen to the anthem before an NFL game in 2023.
Should this be the final ride for what is known as a dominant edge rushing trio, they have a chance to get Pittsburgh back to being a dominant defense like the franchise was accustomed to with many teams throughout its rich history. If that happens, it would put a stamp on the legacy of the three for their Steelers tenures together. If this is it and Highsmith becomes a top-10 guy at his position, it could be a very special season in the Steel City in 2026.
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