Pittsburgh Steelers LB T.J. Watt is one of the all-time great defenders to ever played for the organization. He holds the franchise record for sacks at 108 and climbing through eight seasons. He’s led the league in sacks three times. His career-high in sacks was 22.5, and it helped him land the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Watt also has a knack for making big plays in big moments. He has seven interceptions, 33 forced fumbles, and 12 fumble recoveries. He’s a disruptor, whether rushing the passer or dropping into coverage. And NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks still believes that Watt is number four of the top 10 defenders to build a defense around in the league.
“T.J. Watt is an extraordinary playmaker who’s racked up 108 career sacks, 126 tackles for loss, 225 quarterback hits and 33 forced fumbles in eight seasons,” wrote Brooks. “The four-time All-Pro is a game-changing force on the edge with a knack for knocking the ball loose from quarterbacks in the pocket. Though he is the oldest player on this list, the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year has the instincts, awareness and pass-rushing prowess to continue serving as the defense’s designated playmaker, with the call sheet constructed to showcase his skills. A big-play generating consistent sack producer, he should be an annual lock to finish as a top-five defender.”
Watt’s age is the one major knock on him. He’ll be turning 31 during the upcoming season, but he still has the ability to make a difference. He finished with 11.5 sacks, 19 tackles for a loss, and 27 quarterback hits in 2024. That may have been less than his 19 sacks in 2023, but he can still be a force for the Steelers’ defense.
The Steelers are facing a conundrum regarding Watt. His contract is over after the 2025 season. Will they extend him this offseason? Former reporter Ed Bouchette believes the Steelers shouldn’t extend him but actually trade him. It has everything to do with where the Steelers are as a franchise, not how good of a player Watt is.
Regardless of his future with the Steelers, T.J. Watt is one of the best to ever suit up in Pittsburgh. And even at nearly 31, Bucky Brooks still sees him as one of the best in the league. That’s why it’s hard to imagine seeing Watt suit up for anyone other than the Steelers. But it also makes Madden general managers salivate at the prospect of what sort of return the Steelers could get for Watt and kickstart a rebuild.
As for other notable defenders on Brooks’ list, Dallas Cowboys LB Micah Parsons occupies the top spot. Steelers fans’ favorite player to hate, especially when it comes to comparing to T.J. Watt, Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett is second. Baltimore Ravens LB Roquan Smith ranks eighth.
