​As the 2025 season approaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers have placed a large bet on their outside linebackers, hoping this unit becomes the cornerstone of the defense and the one opposing coaches must Gameplan for. Yet last year the group underwhelmed, and there is optimism that new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham can spark a revamped pass rush for three players who will be carrying a combined $82 million cap hit in 2027. Here’s a look at the edge defenders as training camp opens.
T.J. Watt is the elder statesman at 31 and was once in discussions as the league’s best defensive player just a few seasons ago. He has led the NFL in sacks three times, but after recording only 7.0 sacks in 2025, questions linger about his ability to rebound.
Alex Highsmith has been steady if not spectacular. He led the Steelers with 9.5 sacks last season but has only one double-digit-sack campaign in six years. Like Watt, he is well compensated to rush the passer, yet he has not consistently matched that level of production over the past three years.
Nick Herbig was the latest to secure a massive contract, signing a $100 million deal this offseason despite never being a full-time starter and totaling only 16.0 career sacks in three seasons. It remains to be seen where he fits into the rotation this year.
Jack Sawyer is entering his second season as the No. 4 option on the depth chart and appears to be the odd man out. He recorded just one sack as a rookie, but with those three high-priced veterans ahead of him, opportunity may be limited.
Outlook: The Steelers’ pass rush has underperformed in recent seasons, a trend that has been linked to former defensive coordinator Teryl Austin and head coach Mike Tomlin. After five straight seasons with 50-plus sacks, the team hasn’t reached that mark in the last four. If the unit is to reclaim its former dominance, Watt, Highsmith, and Herbig must lead the charge to pressure the quarterback. This preview originally appeared on Steelers Wire.