Steelers' T.J. Watt explains why the front office's offseason approach was done with the intent to send a message to the NFL

If you look at the headlines that surround the Pittsburgh Steelers, a lot of it will center around the offense. Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jonnu Smith, etc. But the real change occurred on the defensive side of the ball. And according to T.J. Watt, it was done with the intent of sending a message to the Steelers […]

Rob Gregson — NFL News Writer

Jul 23, 2025 3:38 PM EDT

If you look at the headlines that surround the Pittsburgh Steelers, a lot of it will center around the offense. 

Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Jonnu Smith, etc. 

But the real change occurred on the defensive side of the ball. And according to T.J. Watt, it was done with the intent of sending a message to the Steelers opponents in 2025…

T.J. Watt says teams will know what they're walking into

"I think teams need to understand that when they come to Pittsburgh and play the Steelers, there's a certain brand of football," Watt told the media on Wednesday. "And that's why you see, especially on the defensive line, drafting a d-lineman in the first round, it's kind of sets a tone to get that message across. That's why we tackle so much in training camp. That's why we go full pads as much as we do. And it's interesting to see some guys that have been in other places and come here, and [talk about] how much we tackle, but it definitely is important."

Not only did the Steelers draft Derrick Harmon in round one, they also drafted Jack Sawyer and Yahya Black in two of their next three picks. They signed Brandin Echols, Darius Slay, and Juan Thornhill. They traded for Jalen Ramsey. They signed T.J. Watt to the richest contract extension for any non-quarterback ever.

They aim to get back to being bullies on defense. 

"I think it's getting back to being a really, really hard-nosed football team, especially on the defensive side of the ball," added Watt. "Setting hard goals and sticking to them. Teams need to know what's coming when they see the Pittsburgh Steelers defense. And not to say that they haven't in the past, that we haven't taken pride in it. But I think that's something that we can definitely talk more openly about our goals as a defensive unit and hold each other accountable."

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The Steelers and their defense have a history of being hard-nosed. But in recent years and especially against the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs last year, that has not been the case. The exact opposite actually, where they let up nearly 300 rushing yards. 

The motive this offseason was to never have that happen again. To make sure eveyrone knows what will happen when you play the Steelers. 

PFF changes their tune on Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt following unveiling of league-wide positional rankings

Pittsburgh Steelers star T.J. Watt was in the news a lot late last week and into the weekend.  A good portion of that was due to his record deal, which he signed a week before the first practice was scheduled in Pittsburgh.  It just so happened to coincide with PFF releasing their top 50 NFL […]