​As the NFL offseason winds down and training camp rapidly approaches, Steelers Wire evaluated the top five edge rushers entering the 2026 season and examined where veteran Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt fits within those rankings. From a promising edge talent heading into his fourth year to the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, here’s our list of the top five edge defenders in the league for 2026.
Kicking off the top five is a true game-changer off the edge. Anderson posted career highs across several categories, including sacks (12), tackles for loss (20), quarterback hits (23), and forced fumbles (3), earning First-Team All-Pro honors and his second Pro Bowl nod. If Anderson can replicate or exceed his 2025 performance, the Houston defense could be virtually unstoppable on the edge.
Watt’s 2025 campaign did not meet expectations after signing a historic contract extension with the Steelers in July. In 14 games, he managed only seven sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and 19 quarterback hits—numbers that rank among the lowest of his career. Some observers question whether he is in a decline, but there remains optimism that Watt can rebound under a new defensive coordinator in 2026.
Parsons remains one of the league’s premier pure pass rushers, even though run defense is not his strongest suit. Despite tearing his ACL in Week 15, Parsons delivered 12.5 sacks last season, signaling a strong potential for a substantial bounce-back once fully healthy.
Bonitto ranked among the top five in sacks and boasted the second-best pass-rush win rate among edge rushers in 2025, trailing only Nick Herbig. His exceptional ability to burst off the line and win with quickness helped him assemble a standout year, culminating in a standout performance.
Garrett, coming off a historic 23-sack season, naturally claimed the No. 1 spot in many projections. It was no surprise that the Steelers, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Cincinnati Bengals welcomed him departing the Browns for the Rams, given the impact he has consistently shown and the chaos he creates for opposing offenses.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and like our Facebook page. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Top 5 NFL edge rushers: Where Steelers’ T.J. Watt lands entering 2026 for better SEO.