Steelers' TJ Watt Is Staying True To His Word As Huge Change Takes Effect

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a completely star-studded defense. There are recognizable names at each level of the group, but the production from the unit has been rather disappointing over the last few seasons. Fans have felt like the collective should be performing better, and a lot of that blame fell on former head coach Mike Tomlin and former defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. It seemed like they were not always putting players in the right positions to succeed, which is something that will hopefully change under new play-caller Patrick Graham. The organization needs to get more out of the defense in order to have any sort of success.

One of the clear strengths of the defense in Pittsburgh is outside linebacker. The group is headlined by TJ Watt who was the NFL's AP Defensive Player of the Year for the 2021 season. It also includes Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, and Jack Sawyer. Watt and Highsmith are the starters, while Herbig is expected to see some more opportunities after signing a four-year extension during the 2026 offseason. 

All three players will be on the field at times, and it has been said that they will be versatile and move all over the place. Sawyer is also expected to be a valuable rotational piece.

Watt has not been very open to moving around the formation in the past. He has admitted that himself. He was stubborn when it came to moving around, which made the defense a little bit more predictable. He has already said that will change in 2026, and, on the first day of training camp, it seemed like he was sticking to his word. This was reported by Mark Kaboly.

"TJ Watt repping both left and right outside linebacker during team period." Kaboly wrote. "He's flipping from the left to the right liberally too."

This should be seen as good news for the Steelers. Watt moving around the formation is what should have been happening over the last few seasons. He is getting older, so the plan of attack needs to change. Having him line up in different spots is going to help do that, and will also switch things up for Highsmith and Herbig as well.

Graham spent a good amount of time with the Las Vegas Raiders and one of the league's premiere edge rushers in Maxx Crosby. He moved Crosby all around the formation, and the results were usually good. The same should be expected with Watt in 2026. 

The veteran outside linebacker needs to have a decent season in 2026 after having a down year in 2025, especially since he signed a lucrative extension before the 2025 season began. Fans were hating on him for his below-average production in 2025 when it came to sacks, but he still made plays in other areas that could wreck a game.

Steelers' Refreshed Defensive Attack Should Help Watt Bounce Back

Graham is known to adapt his defensive scheme based on who he has on the field. He likes to put his players in the best areas to succeed, which means calling a game to the strengths of his best players. This is good news for Watt and the rest of the pass rushers. 

The pass rush used to be the best part of the Steelers, but it has died down in recent years. Now that there is even more money invested in the outside linebacker room, it will be a priority of Graham and the rest of the coaching staff to get some more results from those players.

Watt only had seven sacks in 2025, but he should be looking to bounce back in 2026. Fans should expect the defensive star to be back in double digits in 2026, and if he isn't, it would be very concerning.

What do you think about Watt already moving around the defensive formation for Pittsburgh? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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