The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting ready for the start of the 2026 season, and the fan base is fairly optimistic about the outlook of the first year under the new coaching staff. The roster still has a ton of talent on it, but the group is aging on both sides of the ball. The group is currently seen by the masses as a fringe playoff team, which is familiar territory for the Steelers. The biggest factors for the team's success in 2026 are going to be the play of quarterback Aaron Rodgers as well as how the defense performs throughout the year.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham during 2026 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is undoubtedly facing a ton of pressure moving forward with this defense. It is one of the highest-paid groups in the NFL, but it has underperformed for the last handful of years. He needs to find a way to get this group to perform up to expectations, and even surpass certain expectations. This is going to include getting the most out of every player, including star outside linebacker TJ Watt. Watt is coming off of a down year where he only recorded seven sacks, and he needs to bounce back in a big way in 2026.
Watt was in the headlines a ton going into the 2025 season as he sought out a new contract extension. He eventually got one, which made him the league's highest-paid non-quarterback for a brief period of time, but he did not live up to that new deal in the slightest in 2025. Beat writer Mike DeFabo of The Athletic spoke about why Watt might be facing a ton of pressure to perform in 2026.
"I’m especially interested to see how Graham’s use of simulated pressures could create more one-on-one opportunities for TJ Watt and company," DeFabo said. "If you’re looking for a player, Watt is the one with the most pressure on him after two down seasons. Watt needs to play like one of the NFL’s highest-paid non-QBs if this well-compensated defense is going to meet expectations."
DeFabo seems to believe that Watt is the driving force behind this defensive unit, and most fans would probably agree. There is no denying that Watt had a down year in 2025, but the bizarre incident that resulted in his lung collapsing didn't help his case. He had a good start to the 2024 season, but his production dropped off after he suffered an ankle injury during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
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Steelers pass rusher TJ Watt talks with long-time defensive leader Cameron Heyward as the two enjoy a day off during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Watt signed a three-year, $123 million deal ahead of the 2025 season. His seven sacks were disappointing, but he still contributed in other areas. He also recorded two interceptions and forced three fumbles. He was only able to appear in 14 games due to the lung issue he went through later on in the year. It is also important to note that the Steelers faced large deficits late in a few games, which took away some obvious pass rushing opportunities. In 2024, the veteran had 11.5 sacks, but his production teetered off over the last few games of the year.
Steelers' Watt Should Be Back At A Full-Go
The drop off for Watt over the last two years can be explained. His ankle injury in 2024 affected the remainder of his season, and his lung unexpectedly collapsing in 2025 threw a wrench in things. He can still be a version of the player he once was.
He is preparing to take on the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, and the last time he played them to open a season, he was a monster. He recovered a fumble and had a sack, but he should have had two. He was called offsides on one sack, but the referee later apologized to him and admitted he made the wrong call.
What do you expect from Watt in 2026? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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