Steelers’ Adam Thielen Gives Behind The Scenes Update On The Mystery That Is Roman Wilson

The Pittsburgh Steelers have drafted very well in recent years. Fans may not fully believe that because the individuals selected at the skill positions haven't been overly impressive, but the team has drastically improved in the trenches. That was always expected to be the goal with General Manager Omar Khan and his partner-in-crime, Andy Weidl, running the show. The 2026 NFL Draft, which is being held in the Steel City, will give the duo an opportunity to inject some youth and talent into some of the most pivotal positions, such as wide receiver.

Steelers fans thought that the organization may have found a steal back in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Roman Wilson was coming off of an incredible final campaign at the University of Michigan, and was available when Pittsburgh went to make the 84rd overall selection. Unfortunately, the second-year route-runner has not had much of an opportunity to prove himself, particularly after the midseason additions of Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Adam Thielen. 

The confusion amongst the fan base and media collectively has been building throughout the course of the 2025 season. Wilson is talented, but the coaching staff seems to have some sort of disinterest in giving him opportunities. Thielen joined his teammate and long snapper, Christian Kuntz, on a recent episode of The Christian Kuntz Podcast, and the veteran receiver couldn't say anything but great things about Wilson.

"I didn't realize, like, there are some really good players in that room," Thielen said. "I mean, like Calvin [Austin III], like what a baller. Like, such a great dude. It's just been fun to, like, be in that room. You know, Roman [Wilson] even. Like, he's great; works his butt off, wants to be great, asks questions."

So what is it about Wilson that is not resonating with the Steelers' coaching staff? Experienced pass-catchers such as Thielen are noticing how bought-in and ready to go the former Wolverine is. Yet, he has been inactive for several games in what was supposed to be a coming-out season for him. Wilson has barely even received the chance to prove that he is worth a look in 2026, and the franchise may likely draft one, or two playmakers to replace him entirely.

While Wilson still has two years remaining on his rookie contract that runs through 2027, he may not be on the Steelers' roster for the remainder of it. Based on how he has been treated to this point, Pittsburgh could certainly decide to cut him after 2026 training camp and the preseason wraps up. This would be labeled as a colossal failure by the organization, with the wideout being a third-round pick and having legitimate talent.

It's fair to note that Wilson has only been targeted a total of three times since his head-scratching fumble that occurred late against the Indianapolis Colts. The Steelers were up 10 points with under four minutes to go, and the one thing that couldn't occur was a turnover. Wilson caught a pass and tried hurdling a defender, resulting in him coughing up the football.

Steelers Felt The Need For Stronger Receiving Corps In Weeks 17 And 18

DK Metcalf was suspended for Pittsburgh's final two contests of the 2025 regular season and the offense wasn't the same. There were some flashes, specifically in the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens, but the lack of Metcalf made it clear that the room needs to be upgraded moving forward. Wilson could still be an option, as it is clear that his teammates see how talented he is and could be. The question becomes: will the coaching staff ever notice?

Do you think the Steelers are making a mistake in how they are handling Wilson? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation