Steelers Insider Reveals How TJ Watt Can Reinvent Himself To Stay Dominant In 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers struck gold with the 30th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft when they drafted Wisconsin linebacker TJ Watt. Not only did the Steelers get a starter, but they also got their franchise player, and arguably the best defensive player of his generation. Since being drafted, Watt has made eight Pro Bowls, earned four All-Pro selections, won Defensive Player of the Year in 2021, and, that same season, tied the NFL sack record. With the career he's had, he will go down as one of the all-time greats for the franchise, but the glory days may be in the past. 

Watt is not exactly an injury-prone player; his recent decline could simply be age catching up to him. In 2024, he reached double-digit sacks, but something was clearly off. He was often completely ineffective during games, and even finished the final four games of the season without a sack. 2025 wasn't any better, with the same problems being present. Watt missed three games due to a failed medical procedure, but he wasn't a game-wrecker before that, raising serious concerns among Steeler Nation.

While the former All-Pro may be on the decline, the blame can't be pinned solely on him. The Steelers' defense has been at a serious schematic disadvantage for years now, often being predictable and vanilla. Part of the predictability means teams know exactly where Watt will line up on every play, making it much easier to neutralize him in the game. While the coaches haven't helped Watt, he hasn't helped himself either, failing to adapt his game. 

Team insider Christopher Carter recently appeared on an episode of his show, Locked On, where he discussed Watt and his need to evolve his game. Carter points out that Watt's bread and butter has been the speed rush, beating tackles to their spot, but with the step he's lost, he must transition his game and incorporate more power. 

"He's won a lot of pass rushes by beating guys to the point. He's not as quick as he used to be, not as explosive. So he has to work more power moves in, he has to work different techniques in," Carter said.

Watt, in his prime, was one of the most explosive edge rushers in the entire NFL, having one of the fastest get-offs in the league. He still tries to use his speed rush, even though it's not nearly as effective as it once was. Watt must incorporate more power moves, getting his helmet under the tackle's chin and developing a bull rush. If he does not change his style of play, the Steelers will be forced to make one of the toughest decisions in recent memory. 

The defense under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham should be much more advanced, particularly in deploying its edge rushers. Watt has mentioned his stubbornness in moving around the field, much preferring that LOLB spot, but in Graham's defense, he will need to get used to both sides. Moving around the formation only helps Watt, making him much harder to game-plan against. 

Steelers' Watt Needs To Bounce Back

Before this past season, the Steelers made Watt the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL. Paying Watt in 2021 was the absolute right call, with him in his prime and reliable enough to stay on the field. However, when they decided to give him that third contract, it wasn't as simple. He was coming off somewhat of a down season, and it was the season in which he turned 30. 

With the inflated edge market, paying Watt north of $40 million was a huge gamble, and one that may be backfiring. The Steelers need Watt to turn back the clock and get back to his game-wrecking form; otherwise, he could be playing in a different uniform.  

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