We Were Worried The Pittsburgh Steelers Would Do This: A Deep Dive into TJ Watt, Payton Wilson, and Their Future

As the NFL offseason unfolded, fans and analysts alike were closely watching the Pittsburgh Steelers, with many wondering how the team would approach key decisions regarding their roster, particularly on defense. With star players like TJ Watt and rising talents like Payton Wilson, the Steelers had the potential to take their defense to even greater heights. However, there were serious concerns about whether the team would make the right moves to solidify their core and maintain a strong competitive edge.

TJ Watt: The Cornerstone of the Defense

TJ Watt has been the anchor of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense since being drafted in 2017, and his impact on the field is undeniable. The two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year is one of the most disruptive forces in the league, capable of changing the course of a game in an instant. In 2023, Watt posted impressive numbers once again, tallying 20 sacks and consistently drawing double teams. His ability to rush the passer and create turnovers makes him one of the most dangerous defensive players in the NFL.

But with such a dominant player at the helm of the defense, there were concerns that Pittsburgh might take him for granted. Would the team focus too much on offense and overlook the importance of surrounding Watt with enough talent on defense to maintain a championship-caliber unit? Watt’s impact cannot be overstated, but even the best pass rusher needs help. The worry was that Pittsburgh might fail to build a secondary and linebacker corps that could maximize Watt’s effectiveness, thus diminishing his overall impact.

Payton Wilson: The Rising Star

Enter Payton Wilson, a linebacker with the potential to complement Watt’s pass-rushing abilities and take the Steelers’ defense to a new level. Wilson, who was drafted by Pittsburgh in the 2024 NFL Draft, is a versatile linebacker with great athleticism, a high football IQ, and the ability to make plays all over the field. At NC State, he was known for his ability to both stop the run and cover the pass, a rare combination that made him one of the more intriguing linebacker prospects in the draft.

Wilson’s potential as a key piece of the defense immediately raised hope for Steelers fans, who saw him as the ideal complement to Watt’s edge-rushing prowess. However, there was some apprehension about how quickly Wilson would be able to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL. Would the Steelers be able to integrate him into their defensive scheme and maximize his potential in year one? Or would they struggle to unlock his full capabilities, much like they had with other rookies in the past?

The Concerns: A Missed Opportunity?

The fear was that the Steelers would fall into the trap of failing to surround their star defensive players with the necessary talent to create a truly dominant defense. Over the past few seasons, the team had made strides on offense with the development of quarterback Kenny Pickett and the addition of key weapons, but their defense — while still strong — had begun to show signs of vulnerability in critical moments. As the team continued to draft and develop offensive players, it was unclear whether the Steelers would make enough of a commitment to improving their defense to keep pace with the league’s rising offensive powerhouses.

If they neglected to bolster their linebacker corps or fail to properly develop Payton Wilson, the Steelers could have wasted Watt’s prime years, depriving him of the support he needs to win a championship. As one of the NFL’s elite defenders, Watt deserves to be part of a defense that can capitalize on his ability to change the game. Without a complete unit around him, his dominance alone may not be enough to carry Pittsburgh back to the Super Bowl.

The Steelers’ Approach: A Bright Future?

Despite the concerns, it appears the Steelers are taking the right steps to address these worries. By drafting Payton Wilson, the team added a dynamic, multi-faceted linebacker who can contribute immediately. Wilson’s versatility and intelligence fit well within the Steelers’ defensive scheme, and his presence alongside Watt could form a lethal combination for years to come. The hope is that Wilson will develop into the linebacker Pittsburgh needs to shore up their defense, allowing Watt to continue wreaking havoc on opposing offenses.

Additionally, the Steelers have also focused on improving their secondary, with a commitment to drafting and developing young talent at cornerback and safety positions. As the team continues to build around their defensive cornerstones, there’s reason to believe they’ll have one of the most formidable defenses in the NFL.

TJ Watt and Payton Wilson: A Defensive Duo to Fear

While there were concerns early in the offseason, the addition of Payton Wilson to Pittsburgh’s defense should quell those fears. With Watt leading the charge, and Wilson poised to make an immediate impact, the Steelers have the potential to have one of the most dangerous defensive units in the league. If Wilson can live up to expectations and complement Watt’s edge pressure with solid play in the middle, the Steelers’ defense could become even more formidable than it already is.

The combination of Watt’s elite pass rushing and Wilson’s versatility should strike fear into opposing offenses, making the Steelers a team to reckon with in the AFC. As long as the Steelers continue to invest in their defense and surround their stars with the right pieces, they will remain a perennial contender.

Final Thoughts: A Championship Window for Pittsburgh?

If everything comes together, the Pittsburgh Steelers could be in prime position for a deep playoff run. TJ Watt is already an elite game-changer, and with Payton Wilson joining the fray, Pittsburgh’s defense could be one of the league’s most feared. The Steelers’ front office appears to be committed to building a team around their defense, and the hope is that this will allow the team to compete for a Super Bowl in the near future. If Wilson lives up to his potential and plays up to the expectations, the Steelers’ defense could soon be in a class of its own, with Watt and Wilson leading the charge.

The Steelers’ success in the 2024 season will ultimately hinge on how well they integrate their young talent with their established stars. But with Watt and Wilson on defense, Pittsburgh fans have plenty to be excited about.