Steelers' Refusal To Use WR Roman Wilson Had Hidden Reasoning That Just Got Revealed

The Pittsburgh Steelers need a long-term solution at quarterback and no one is unaware of that current situation. Will Howard may have a chance to insert himself as the starter at some point, but nothing will be set in stone for 2026 until Aaron Rodgers makes a decision about his future. Another area of need is at wide receiver. DK Metcalf would likely operate much more efficiently if there was a consistent threat on the opposite side of him. The offseason may be spent figuring out how to completely re-tool a room that has been one of the team's biggest weaknesses in recent years.

One of the more intriguing internal options to step up is certainly Roman Wilson. The 2024 third-round selection has yet to make a true mark at the professional level. Many have questioned why he hasn't been used nearly enough since being taken by the organization, and rumors have even suggested that the wideout would prefer that Rodgers not return to play for the Steelers moving forward.

It's anyone's guess as to why Wilson truly hasn't gotten the chance to prove himself. Pittsburgh decided to play veterans over the youngster in 2025, which could very well be due to the comfortability that Rodgers had with the more experienced receivers being on the field. It would likely upset Wilson, but there is apparently more to the story.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Ray Fittipaldo hosted a fan chat on Tuesday. He was asked about Wilson and why the wideout is even still on the roster if he never plays. The beat writer made an interesting comment about both Rodgers and former offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, simply not preferring to use the University of Michigan product.

"I did notice the QB and the OC were not happy with his professionalism," Fittipaldo wrote. "The OC is gone, but the QB probably is back. It's up to Wilson to become more of a pro. I think he's trying, but he has to produce at some point. I don't think he's a bad apple or anything like that. I just think he's one of those guys where it comes slow for him."

Rodgers has always been known to be a bit stubborn and stuck in his ways. He likes familiarity, and if he returns, there's a good chance that Wilson will remain in the back of his mind. As far as the professionalism goes, it's very possible that more individuals aside from just the quarterback and play-caller noticed that the young wideout wasn't acting like an NFL pass-catcher.

It's not going to help Wilson's case if the Steelers draft a wide receiver in round one of the 2026 NFL Draft. This would immediately slot Wilson behind that individual, and a Rodgers return likely means some veterans in the room as well. There has been a recent trend of young wideouts getting traded to receive a fresh start, and that may be something that Pittsburgh should start to think about.

It doesn't necessarily matter who the coach is, an experienced one can spot professionalism from a mile away. It just so happens that Rodgers also has extensive experience, and it's starting to become clearer that several important people in the Steelers' building are not very fond of Wilson, which is a direct indictment of the franchise's decision to draft him back in 2024.

Steelers Have To Finally Figure Out The Wide Receiver Position

It's been awhile since Pittsburgh had some legitimate consistency on the offense as a whole. One of the biggest pieces to the puzzle is at wide receiver. Metcalf needs a top-notch option to work alongside as mentioned, and it doesn't appear like that player is on the roster as the 2026 offseason ramps up. It's hard to dig oneself out of a hole, especially if Rodgers is the one digging it. Wilson may soon find himself playing for a different franchise.

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