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Steelers' T.J. Watt falls out of the top three rankings among NFL pass rushers following league-wide debate among analysts

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Rob Gregson | Last updated Jul 21, 2025 7:20 PM ET

If you look at what the Pittsburgh Steelers just paid T.J. Watt, you will see a player who makes more than any non-QB in the league.

Which means he makes more than any pass rusher in the league.

But if you go by the latest EDGE rankings from A to Z Sports, you will see a group of people that think he's overpaid...

T.J. Watt ranks 4th in A to Z Sports EDGE rankings

4. T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers

Highest Ranking: 2

Lowest Ranking: 8

T.J. Watt is a little bit lower on our list than what he has been accustomed to throughout his career, but it's reasonable in this case. Watt started 2024 out on a tear. That Week 1 game against the Falcons was one of the best performances any edge rusher had all season. However, by the time the last month of the season rolled around, Watt had gone radio silent. He didn't record a single sack in his last four games, and he was unable to record anything in the box score against the Ravens in the playoffs. To add context, he was battered. Upper body injuries combined with playing on a bad ankle, Watt didn't look like himself, because he wasn't himself. The Steelers are paying him to get back to his old ways, however. Watt looks noticeably bigger this offseason, and if he's healthy, he's still one of the best in the business, potentially reclaiming a spot in the top three next year. - Rob Gregson

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As someone who voted Watt third on the list. I certainly see the argument for Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons after Watt's down year in 2024. However, where things got a little weird for me, but obviously not my colleagues, was the ranking of Maxx Crosby over Watt.

Now if we're projecting the future, given their age and the shelf life of EDGE rushers, I can see why you would take Crosby, but he is not the complete player that Watt is. He doesn't defend the run as well, force as many fumbles, he's not as technical with his hands, and he certainly is not the player in the clutch that Crosby is.