By Ginika Igboke
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt says he expects to move around significantly more in the upcoming NFL season as the team adjusts to a new defensive system under coordinator Patrick Graham.
Graham’s arrival marks a major shift in the Steelers’ defensive structure, replacing the previous system and introducing a more flexible, position-fluid approach that requires players to learn multiple roles across the front seven.
Watt told reporters on Wednesday that while he had previously been resistant to such changes early in his career, the new scheme makes adaptability essential.
“It’s been a lot, not going to lie to you,” Watt said when describing the transition. “It’s been a lot of studying. A lot of learning, a lot on the iPads… but it’s been a lot of really good work. As you guys can see, practices are a little bit different around here.”
Major Changes Under New Defensive Leadership
Watt, who was drafted in 2017, has played under several defensive coordinators during his career, including Keith Butler and later Teryl Austin, who took over after Butler’s retirement in 2022.
The Steelers’ coaching structure changed again after the 2025 season, with Mike McCarthy becoming head coach and bringing in Patrick Graham as defensive coordinator.
Watt noted that the new coaching staff has changed both the structure and style of practice.
“Well, you don’t see benches out here anymore,” he said. “There’s many different ways to do things. We’re just doing things much different than what I’m used to over the last nine years, and it’s good. Change is good for me.”
He also credited outside linebackers coach C.J. Ah You for helping players adjust through detailed film work and position drills.
More Versatility in the Defensive Front
A key feature of Graham’s system is positional flexibility, requiring players to operate across multiple alignments rather than sticking to fixed roles.
Watt said he has historically preferred playing on the left side of the defensive line, but the new system leaves little room for specialization.
“I think in the past it was a little bit more of me being stubborn,” Watt said. “In this new system, a lot of it’s built in. So I really can’t say no. I have to move with it.”
He added that the entire defensive front is being trained to operate interchangeably.
“You’re not just learning your position, you kind of have to learn the whole defensive front structure,” he said. “We’re all basically interchangeable.”
Strong Competition in the Edge Rusher Room
Now entering his 10th NFL season, Watt leads a deep and competitive outside linebacker group that includes Alex Highsmith, Nick Herbig, 2025 fourth-round pick Jack Sawyer, offseason addition KJ Henry, and third-year player Julius Welschof.
Watt said the depth of the unit is one of its biggest strengths.
“We’re deep,” he said. “We don’t care who makes the plays. We just want to be as successful as we possibly can. We want to work together and just continue to grow.”
Early Impressions of the New System
Watt also praised Graham’s coaching style, highlighting the emphasis on walkthroughs, film study, and on-field teaching.
“I think more than anything, it’s just great energy and a great love for football,” he said. “Having those walkthroughs has been very beneficial so we’re not just sitting in a classroom all day.”
As the Steelers adjust to a new defensive identity, Watt’s expanded role appears set to be a central feature of the team’s evolving system heading into the season.
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