The Pittsburgh Steelers’ outside linebackers played a key role throughout the 2025 season, with the team relying heavily on this group in critical matchups. The unit included Nick Herbig, Alex Highsmith, Jeremiah Moon, Jack Sawyer, and T.J. Watt.
Prior to the postseason game against Houston on January 12, outside linebacker Alex Highsmith said, “It’s just been emphasized that we gotta be the best edge group in the stadium this weekend.” Despite their preparation, Houston’s Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter and others managed to combine for 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and five quarterback hits as the Texans defeated Pittsburgh 30-6.
Reflecting on the loss, T.J. Watt described it as “Extremely frustrating.” Watt did recover a fumble during that game.
Both Watt and Highsmith missed time during the season due to injuries or other reasons. Watt played in 14 games compared to 17 in 2024, resulting in lower totals across several defensive categories: tackles (55), sacks (7), quarterback hits (19), tackles for a loss (10), and forced fumbles (3). His two interceptions were an improvement from zero last year; he also matched his previous season’s total of two fumble recoveries. However, Watt was not selected as an Associated Press First-Team or Second-Team All-Pro for only the second time in seven years; previously missing out in 2022 when he appeared in just ten games.
Watt and Herbig each forced three fumbles to lead the team.
Highsmith missed four games and did not match his career-best numbers from earlier seasons but still led Pittsburgh with 15 tackles for a loss—matching his high from 2021. In his 13 appearances this year, he recorded one forced fumble and 9.5 sacks.
Nick Herbig had increased responsibilities with six starts and participation on 60 percent of defensive snaps—both career highs. He set personal bests in tackles (30), sacks (7.5), quarterback hits (18) and tackles for a loss (13).
At times during passing situations, defensive schemes featured Watt, Highsmith and Herbig on the field together with Herbig often rushing from an inside position.
In team statistics for sacks and tackles for a loss, Highsmith (9.5/15), Herbig (7.5/13) and Watt (7/10) finished first through third respectively. Highsmith and Watt shared the lead in pressures with 19 each while Herbig had 18.
Rookie Jack Sawyer played all 17 regular-season games after being drafted in the fourth round from Ohio State. He made one start and contributed one sack along with two interceptions—which tied him for the team lead—and added value on special teams with 14 tackles.
Jeremiah Moon joined late in the season, appearing against Detroit on December 21 and Cleveland on December 28.
