The Pittsburgh Steelers haven't been shy about their interest in outside help at wide receiver for the 2025 NFL season. Looking to pair someone opposite wideout DK Metcalf, the team has explored options both through free agency and trade, and with the season right around the corner, time is running out. However, according to one team insider, Pittsburgh has a significant amount of faith in a familiar second-year weapon.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers insider and correspondent to The Pat McAfee Show, Mark Kaboly, during an appearance on his podcast, Kaboly + Mack, expressed that the Steelers have extreme confidence in their 2024 third-round pick, wide receiver Roman Wilson.
"I've never seen a front office or a scouting department... that have such high hopes for a guy more than they do Roman Wilson."
While the Steelers haven't seen much from Wilson due to an injury in 2024 that only allowed him to play five snaps, there's good reason for them to be excited. In the team's second preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Wilson shined.
He caught two passes for 72 yards, leading the team, and it all came in the first quarter. His impressive performance came on the heels of a training camp that saw him shine because of his connection with Aaron Rodgers, especially in the final week.
The Steelers haven’t signed more veteran receivers up to this point in part because they are high on Roman Wilson, who impressed both in the joint practice with the #Bucs and the game. Last night was a good sign for Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/YwltIo40GH
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 17, 2025
Wilson's ascension likely doesn't come as a surprise to the Steelers, who selected him in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. At Michigan, Wilson's strengths were in separation and speed, traits that Pittsburgh will need to utilize if it wants to be successful in 2025. Wilson posted one of the highest receiving grades of the college football season in 2023, per Pro Football Focus, with an 81.5 offensive grade.
Ryan Kang / Getty Images
Former Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Roman Wilson (#1) showboats his way into the end zone after a big play during a collegiate football game.
Steelers' Faith In Wilson Doesn't Change Their Pursuit Of Outside Receivers
While the Steelers certainly believe in Wilson, it hasn't stopped them from looking for help at outside receiver — and rightly so. While he has shown promise, Wilson has yet to play significant snaps in a regular season game. In addition, depth outside of Wilson and Metcalf is thin - if Metcalf were to suffer an injury, the team would struggle to get the ball downfield.
Shortly after roster cutdowns, it was reported that wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling was choosing between Pittsburgh and the San Francisco 49ers. While Scantling signed with San Francisco, the fact that Pittsburgh was an option at all shows that they aren't satisfied with their depth at receiver.
While the Steelers had a few other options at the position, they have yet to sign anyone. While some of their hesitancy could be due to the fact that General Manager Omar Khan doesn't want to part ways with 2026 draft capital, some of it is also undoubtedly due to their faith in Wilson. Still, Pittsburgh did bring in wide receiver Gabe Davis for a visit twice, and he has yet to sign anywhere - leaving the Steelers as an option.
Steven Senne / AP Photo
Free agent WR Gabe Davis walks on the field before the start of a game in 2024.
If Davis were to sign in Pittsburgh, it would largely be a depth move, giving the Steelers another receiver similar to Metcalf who could step in in his absence. Still, it's hard to imagine that he would displace too many of Wilson's snaps, and he would largely be a short term option, while Wilson is in Pittsburgh for the foreseeable future.
The 2025 season is quickly approaching, and the Steelers lack of moves at receiver could mean several things - at the very least though, there's clearly a comfort with Wilson that means they won't make a move out of desperation, and it won't be shocking to see him become a favorite target of Rodgers in 2025.
What do you think of Wilson? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
