Steelers' 2026 Cut Candidate Will Get Legitimate Shot At Earning Role: "Obviously"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to have a very busy 2026 offseason, with cap casualties, the upcoming free agency period, and the NFL Draft. The Steelers have their work cut out for them. Like the last three offseasons, they are still searching for capable wide receivers. They traded for DK Metcalf in 2025, but, weeks later, traded George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. The Steelers were banking on the development of third-round pick Roman Wilson, who the team drafted in 2024, but that never happened. Wilson was a healthy scratch for the team's late-season surge; however, fans should not give up on him just yet. 

It was recently revealed that quarterback Aaron Rodgers and former Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith were unhappy with Wilson's professionalism. It was always a mystery of what was going on and why Wilson wasn't playing more. 

Wilson certainly has the talent, as he's a solid route runner and has decent hands. Wilson and Rodgers just didn't mesh well, whether it was Wilson's spacing or route depth, something wasn't right. That led to Wilson's permanent benching for the season. 

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly appeared on 93.7 The Fan where he talked a great deal about the Steelers. He was asked specifically about Wilson and his teammate Calvin Austin III. Kaboly thinks Austin's time with the Steelers is over, but thinks Wilson still has a chance, even with the likely return of Rodgers. 

"I think he's obviously on the roster," Kaboly said of Wilson. "I don't think he's done. I think you're gonna wipe it clean and say, 'Hey, this is your third year. Show me what you can do.'" 

While Wilson is technically entering his third year in the NFL, he only appeared in five snaps his rookie season after injuries held him out for most of the year. Not only did Wilson appear in five plays, but they were garbage time snaps in a blow out win over the Las Vegas Raiders. In 2025, Wilson appeared in most of the contests, but still wasn't seeing very many snaps, nor targets. In 13 matchups, he had 12 catches for 166 yards and two touchdowns.

The Steelers will have a new-look on offense with new Head Coach Mike McCarthy calling the plays in his West Coast scheme. McCarthy's philosophy usually requires three capable receivers, and with the Steelers draft plans being hinted at, it will be an uphill battle for Wilson. 

He may have to fight against a first-round rookie and a later round pick for a spot. Luckily for Wilson, there isn't much out there in free agency in terms of wide receiver. The Steelers will likely have to rely heavily on the draft to revamp the room. 

Steelers Must Give Wilson A Real Chance

In his short career, Wilson hasn't been given a real chance to truly develop, as he's been benched seemingly after every mistake. Under McCarthy, the team needs to put time and effort into the University of Michigan product. Wilson has too much speed to not have a role on the team, especially behind 30-plus-year-old veterans. They can't continue the trend of expecting young players to be perfect off the jump.

Now, Wilson should't just be given a starting spot, especially if the organization drafts a wide receiver in the first round. That player should take priority, but Wilson should be given a real shot at getting legitimate snaps. He already looks like a waste of a pick, and not giving him a chance would confirm such suspicions. The Steelers can't afford another day two or three draftee be thrown away because they weren't good enough, Wilson can certainly break this trend. 

What do you think? Should Wilson be given one more chance to prove himself? Should the Steelers just not bother and move on? Let us know on X @SteelerNation!

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