T.J. Watt just took a massive hit in ESPN’s 2026 player rankings, tumbling a staggering 54 spots to No. 65. Yikes. That’s a huge drop for one of the league’s top pass rushers, especially considering it follows what’s being called one of the worst performances of his entire NFL career.
What Went Wrong for Watt in 2025?
Look, falling 54 spots isn’t just a bad day, it’s a full-blown crisis. Watt’s production has been dipping ever since he led the league with 19 sacks back in 2023. But the real kicker for his 2025 season was a wild, freak situation: he suffered a partially collapsed lung during a dry needling treatment. Can you believe that? ESPN’s Brooke Pryor straight up said it was a major reason for his drop-off. Plus, he admitted he was too stubborn to move around in the previous regime’s system. That kind of honesty usually costs you.
The Steelers’ Big Defensive Bet for 2026
So, what’s the plan now? Watt is fully healthy heading into his 10th season, and he’s vowed to be way more open to moving around in Graham’s system. Offenses figured out how to neutralize him coming off the left side, where he’s always been at his absolute best. That left the Steelers, and Watt himself, with no choice but to shake things up in 2026. He’s gonna be shifting positions across the defensive line a lot more this season. It’s a huge gamble, but if they want to get him back to that 19-sack level, they gotta try something different.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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