The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to be a much different team in 2026 as the new coaching staff has come in and implemented some new systems. This is true for the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, but fans are going to want to see some major improvements defensively. The defense in Pittsburgh is star-studded, and the organization has invested a ton of resources into the unit. It is one of the most expensive defenses in the NFL, and that will only become more true if a deal gets done with star cornerback Joey Porter Jr. Considering the talent on that side, the unit has been disappointing, but hopefully a new defensive system will change that.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham during 2026 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Patrick Graham is the new defensive coordinator in Pittsburgh, and he is largely known for his time serving in the same role with the Las Vegas Raiders. He was not dealing with nearly as much talent in Las Vegas, but he always had his group outperforming itself. He also was able to stay on the staff as the defensive coordinator with the Raiders throughout multiple head coaching changes, which is difficult to do. It might not mean anything when it comes to production on the field, but it says a lot about the kind of coach Graham might be if he is kept around on different staffs.
One thing tons of fans are curious about is the rotation at outside linebacker. TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith are the starters, but it is important that the Steelers get Nick Herbig on the field a ton as well. Jack Sawyer is also a factor, and Watt mentioned in the latest episode of Not Just Football With Cam Heyward what Sawyer's role is going to have to be.
"Like Herb said earlier, there's going to be three of us out there at the same time a good amount it seems like," Watt said. "Obviously, Jack's going to be in the fold a good amount as well because when we want to play as hard and as fast as we can, we're going to need to have a deep rotation. We're really confident in all of us up here."
Watt's thought process is that he is not as young as he once was, and if he wants to give every snap his all he is going to need to have Sawyer take the field and give Watt some plays off from time to time. When there are only two outside linebackers on the field it usually is Sawyer giving Watt time while Herbig fills in behind Highsmith.
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Pittsburgh Steelers’ TJ Watt and Jack Sawyer react during training camp at Saint Vincent College in 2026.
As soon as Watt mentioned coming off the field so he can stay fresh, Herbig had to make fun of him. Herbig noted that Watt always says he will come off of the field so he can keep his energy up, but he always ends up staying out there.
"He do this every time, like, 'Hey bro, Jack be ready. I'm going to need you this game, we going to be on a good rotation," Herbig said. "Motherf**ker [Sawyer] ends up playing like three plays."
Herbig was poking fun at Watt and the situation as a whole, but this is a spot that needs to be improved upon for Watt and the defense as a whole. He is getting older and he has consistently dealt with injuries later on in the season. Pittsburgh is going to need more from Sawyer early on so Watt can remain fresh for later in the season.
Steelers' TJ Watt Knows He Must Be Better
It's possible that it isn't on the coaching staff to take Watt in and out of the game. With the level of player he is, he is probably coming on and off the field as he sees fit, and acknowledged that during the interview.
"I'm going to get better Jack, I'm still learning," Watt said.
This seems to be a point of emphasis for Watt, which will hopefully lead to a more productive season in 2026.
What do you think about Watt playing less snaps moving forward? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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