Sawyer recorded 34 total tackles (16 solo), including 1.0 sacks, while also adding four passes defensed, two of which were interceptions, over 17 contests during the 2025 regular season.

EDGE Analysis

Sawyer split his time pretty evenly between defense and special teams, but he was still able to make a few splash plays in 2025. The rookie linebacker notched his first career sack in Week 2 against the Seahawks, and he later added an interception in Week 9 versus the Colts and another one in Week 17 at Cleveland. Sawyer also found himself in the backfield in the Steelers' 30-6 loss to the Texans in the wild-card round, recording a strip-sack of C.J. Stroud in the first quarter, a fumble which teammate Yahya Black recovered. The linebacker figures to enter the 2026 season as a top reserve option behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith at outside linebacker.

Elliott (knee) recorded 38 total tackles (20 solo), including 1.0 sacks, while also adding two passes defensed, one of which was an interception, and a forced fumble over five games during the 2025 regular season.

EDGE Analysis

Elliott suffered a sprained MCL in Pittsburgh's Week 1 win over the Jets before he later suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Packers in Week 8. The safety was rather productive when active, but the five appearances set a new career-low for the 28-year-old. Elliott signed a two-year, $12.5 million contract extension with the Steelers prior to the year, so he'll look to get back to full strength and compete for a starting role with the team in 2026.

Harrison recorded 41 total tackles (25 solo) over 11 contests during the 2025 regular season.

EDGE Analysis

Harrison joined the Steelers in free agency ahead of the 2025 campaign following a five-year run with the Ravens. The linebacker suffered a knee injury in Week 1, and he was forced to miss Pittsburgh's next six games as a result. Once healthy, Harrison was able to average 3.9 tackles per game, and on the year, he secured at least 40 total takedowns for the second straight season and third time overall. The 27-year-old will look to compete for a starting role at inside linebacker with the Steelers in 2026.

Dugger compiled 59 total tackles (29 solo), including 1.0 sacks, while also adding five passes defensed, two of which were interceptions, over 16 contests during the 2025 regular season.

EDGE Analysis

Dugger entered the 2025 campaign in his sixth season with the Patriots, but he was traded to the Steelers in late October after being used sparingly in New England. The safety was thrust into a prominent role in Pittsburgh's secondary, notching 42 total takedowns and two interceptions, including a 73-yard pick-six in Week 11 against the Bengals, while also adding three other passes defensed over nine regular-season games with the team. Dugger is still under contract for two more years after inking a four-year, $58 million contract with the Patriots in 2024, and he'll likely have a strong chance to start in the Steelers' secondary next season.

Echols recorded 48 total tackles (34 solo), including 1.0 sacks, while also adding two interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery over 16 games during the 2025 regular season.

EDGE Analysis

Echols joined the Steelers ahead of the 2025 campaign after four seasons with the Jets, and he was able to see an uptick in his production. The cornerback registered six passes defensed, two of which were interceptions, and he has now notched at least two interceptions on three of his five NFL seasons. Echols will enter 2026 in the final year of his two-year, $6 million contract with Pittsburgh, and he'll look to compete for a starting role at slot cornerback.

Heyward recorded 78 total tackles (38 solo), including 3.5 sacks, while also adding six passes defensed and a forced fumble over 17 contests during the 2025 regular season.

EDGE Analysis

Heyward was able to exceed 70 total takedowns for the second straight year and fourth time in the last five seasons. The defensive lineman has now registered at least 2.0 sacks in 13 straight campaigns. Even though it was his 15th season in Pittsburgh, he continues to be one of the most productive players at his position in the league, being selected as a second-team All-Pro in 2025.

Graham played nine regular-season games during the 2025 campaign, tallying eight tackles (four solo), including 3.0 sacks.

EDGE Analysis

Graham came out of retirement in October to help bolster the Eagles' mediocre pass rush. The 37-year-old still had enough gas in the tank to play a rotational role, as he played over 17 percent of defensive snaps just twice in 2025. Graham has now recorded 79.5 regular-season sacks over 16 years, and he indicated on his personal podcast that he's open to playing again for the Eagles in 2026.

Epps recorded 21 tackles (18 solo) while playing 12 regular-season games during the 2025 campaign.

EDGE Analysis

Epps joined the Eagles after playing just three games for the Raiders in 2024. He played almost exclusively on special teams over the first eight weeks and then missed four games on IR with a shoulder injury, but the 30-year-old finished the season in a starting role after rookie Andrew Makuba went down with an ankle issue. Epps has played 15 regular-season games over the past two seasons, and he is set to become a free agent this offseason.

Phillips recorded 53 tackles (29 solo), including 5.0 sacks, and four passes defended while playing 17 regular-season games during the 2025 campaign.

EDGE Analysis

Phillips missed just one game in 2025 after suffering a torn ACL four weeks into the 2024 campaign, and he was traded from Miami to Philadelphia just ahead of the 2025 trade deadline. Between nine games in the regular season and playoffs, the 26-year-old tallied 2.0 sacks for the Eagles. During the first five years of his career, Phillips has recorded 28 sacks across 63 regular-season games.

Smith played 12 regular-season games during the 2025 campaign, tallying 31 tackles (15 solo), including 3.0 sacks, and one forced fumble.

EDGE Analysis

Smith was sidelined on IR for five games with a triceps injury, leading to a corresponding drop in production. The 2023 first-round pick started all 12 of his games this season, but he played over 50 percent of defensive snaps just eight times. In three years, Smith has accumulated 9.5 sacks over 45 regular-season games. He figures to play a similar rotational role during the final year of his rookie contract in 2026.