Former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch praised rookie outside linebacker Jack Sawyer during a recent podcast appearance. Batch highlighted Sawyer's potential to become a starter in Pittsburgh.
Batch spoke on his Snap Count podcast this week about Sawyer's development after his first NFL season. He noted Sawyer's strong performance in a Week 16 win over Detroit, where the fourth-round pick played 66 snaps and recorded five tackles along with two quarterback hits. “People are forgetting about Jack Sawyer,” Batch said. “That guy can flat-out play.” He added that the organization now sees Sawyer as “a starter in waiting” behind T.J. Watt. Sawyer finished his rookie year with one sack against Seattle in Week 2 and two interceptions. The Steelers also recently extended Nick Herbig, keeping a crowded outside linebacker room that includes Watt, Alex Highsmith and Herbig for the 2026 season.