Steelers roster spotlight: Can T.J. Watt bounce back in Year 10?
· Yahoo Sports
Around the NFL, no team has a loaded edge rusher room quite like the Pittsburgh Steelers. But that could very well depend on whether or not T.J. Watt can bounce back from his dreadful 2025 season.
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From now to the start of the regular season, we at Steelers Wire will be analyzing every player on the roster. Here's a look at Watt and what could be in store for his 2026 season.
At a glance
- Height: 6-foot-4
- Weight: 252 pounds
- Age: 31 years old
- NFL experience: 10
Career with the Steelers
Watt, selected by the Steelers in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, began his career as the starting right outside linebacker before ultimately switching to the left side in 2018.
Through nine seasons, Watt recorded 115 sacks, 517 combined tackles, 136 tackles for loss, nine interceptions, and 244 quarterback hits. He also has been named the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year, earned eight Pro Bowl selections, and is a four-time First-Team All-Pro.
Signing a massive three-year, $123 million extension in July 2025, Watt didn't exactly live up to expectations last season. But he's primed for a bounce-back year in 2026.
What's next in 2026?
New defensive scheme? Check. Better play calling from the DC? Check. Completely overhauled secondary? Triple check. Watt could be the primary beneficiary of Patrick Graham's new defense with the Steelers, as the veteran defender has already indicated he'll be lining up at different spots in 2026. And that's a nightmare for offenses attempting to game-plan against Watt.
It's hard to blame any struggling defender in Teryl Austin's defense or when factoring in Mike Tomlin's failure to adapt midgame. But playing alongside a reloaded defense, Watt should find tremendous success in 2026. Even at 31 years old.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers roster spotlight: Can T.J. Watt bounce back in Year 10?