Jack Sawyer’s Breakout Potential Could Create Steelers Edge Rusher Logjam

If there is one position where the Pittsburgh Steelers are deep, it is on the edge. The group is headlined by the tremendous duo of Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt. However, Nick Herbig appears to represent the next era of Steelers edge rushers after cashing in this offseason. One pleasant surprise last season was fourth-round rookie Jack Sawyer out of Ohio State. Sawyer made several splash plays and proved to be an asset when setting the edge against the run. He also showed some upside as a pass rusher. Recently, Sports Illustrated named him a breakout candidate for 2026.

Sports Illustrated reviewed the Steelers’ entire offseason, and among the team’s roster prospects, Sawyer could be poised for a breakout season that alters the future of the Steelers’ edge group.

“Sawyer’s high motor was noticeable in college (he won a national title at Ohio State) and, clearly, the Steelers have a track record of developing edge rushers. If Sawyer shows improvement and with Herbig paid, perhaps the Steelers would consider moving a player from the potential logjam at edge rusher.” Gilberto Manzano wrote.

Sawyer the next era of Steelers edge rushers?

Although Kevin Colbert drafted Watt and Highsmith, there is something to be said about general manager Omar Khan’s selections of Herbig and Sawyer. Herbig’s talent became apparent during the 2023 preseason. Sawyer’s development, however, progressed throughout his rookie season. Sawyer consistently found himself around the football and made plays for the Steelers. His stat line may not jump off the page, but Sawyer played only 25% of the Steelers’ defensive snaps.

His rookie season included one sack, two interceptions, six quarterback hits, and three tackles for loss. For a rookie playing roughly a quarter of the defensive snaps, that represents solid production.

Sawyer could have a breakout season for the Steelers in 2026, which could create several scenarios for the team next offseason. For now, Herbig will likely receive the next significant share of snaps behind Highsmith and Watt. That does not mean Sawyer cannot continue to make an impact.

Sawyer has a strong endorsement from a key teammate

“Herbig raved about Sawyer while speaking with Heyward on his podcast. This is certainly a bold prediction because Sawyer, the 2025 fourth-round pick, has to fight for snaps playing with Watt, Herbig and Highsmith, and he only generated one sack while playing 25% of the defensive snaps as a rookie.” Manzano wrote.

If there is an ideal future counterpart for Sawyer, it could be Herbig. If Sawyer breaks out and becomes part of the Steelers’ next great pass-rushing duo, Herbig’s endorsement only strengthens that possibility.

Sawyer still has plenty to prove before earning breakout status in 2026. However, he has already demonstrated the ability to become a reliable contributor. The Steelers may have found a pair of fourth-round gems who could shape the future of their edge defense.