T.J. Watt, the Pittsburgh Steelers' star edge rusher, has fallen to 7th in the NFL edge rusher rankings. On Wednesday, ESPN.com released its list of top NFL edge rushers, with Watt dropping from 2nd last year to 7th this year.
What happened?
An anonymous AFC executive stated that Watt is 'definitely in decline' due to lower-body injuries. The executive said that Watt can still win with his high motor and flair for the big play, but his burst and get-off aren't the same as they were before.
Why it matters for T.J. Watt
Watt's decline is significant, as he was once considered one of the top edge rushers in the NFL. His drop in rankings may be due to the emergence of younger players, such as Nick Herbig and Alex Highsmith, who made the 'others receiving votes' category.
What comes next?
Myles Garrett, now a member of the Los Angeles Rams, was rated No. 1 after a record-setting season with 23 sacks. Watt will need to regain his form to compete with the likes of Garrett and other top edge rushers in the NFL.
The Steelers will be looking to Watt to bounce back from his decline and help the team succeed in the upcoming season. With his high motor and flair for the big play, Watt can still be a dominant force on the field.
On Tuesday, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. was placed out of the top 10 in ESPN.com's list of top NFL cornerbacks. The Steelers will be looking to improve their defense, and Watt's performance will be crucial to their success.
The NFL edge rusher rankings are subject to change, and Watt will have the opportunity to prove himself and move back up the rankings. For now, he remains one of the top edge rushers in the NFL, despite his decline.
As the NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on Watt to see if he can regain his form and lead the Steelers to victory. With his talent and experience, Watt is still a force to be reckoned with on the field.
On July 9, 2026, the NFL world was buzzing with news of the edge rusher rankings, and Watt's decline was a major topic of discussion. The Steelers will be looking to Watt to lead their defense and make a deep run in the playoffs.
The upcoming NFL season will be an exciting one, with many talented edge rushers vying for the top spot. Watt will be looking to prove himself and show that he still has what it takes to be one of the best in the league.