T.J. Watt embracing a chance to play both sides: You're going to see us move around

Published July 30, 2026 05:52 PM Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt has played mostly on the left side in his career. He took only 10 snaps on the right side last season, leaving that side to Alex Highsmith.Watt indicated in the offseason that he would move around more, and according to Bob Labriola of the team website, that has been the case in training camp. Watt played both sides in Thursday’s practice, per Labriola.The four-time All-Pro, who has admitted being resistant to playing the right side, has embraced a chance to move around this season in Patrick Graham’s defense.“Very dynamic, very elite group,” Watt said about his position group. “I think you’re going to see us moving all around. I know I say it every year, but I think you’re truly going to see us moving all around this year. It’s a better problem to have when you have guys who are really capable to affect the game in any area. I think that if we do things that we really set out to do in this training camp and get this thing like a well-oiled machine with us three, it’ll be special. “I’m just trying to be open-minded, just trying to do anything to affect [the opposing offense], whether it’s how they are doing protection schemes, how they’re running the ball. Wherever I can move around or just knock down inside, be able to allow [Nate] Herbig to come outside, whatever it takes to win football games, whatever it takes to mess up the offensive scheme, I’m willing to do.”Watt led the NFL in sacks with 19 in 2023. He has only 18.5 over the past two seasons, including seven in 2025 when he missed three games.