Steelers Receiver Needs To Have A Strong Camp To Make The Roster: "Will Be Given A Chance To Compete"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a wide receiver room that has undergone some big changes so far in the 2026 NFL offseason. In 2025, the team had some clear shortcomings in its receiving corps. There was a lack of production behind star DK Metcalf at times, and when Metcalf served a two-game suspension towards the end of the year, it was abundantly obvious that Pittsburgh could use some more weapons on the outside. Consequently, the Steelers traded for Michael Pittman Jr. and this newfound star power will only help Pittsburgh's depth. 

The addition of Pittman alongside Metcalf should make the Steelers' offense much better. The team really needed someone who could take the pressure off of Metcalf, and the Black and Gold will hope that will happen now. However, another receiver on the roster, Roman Wilson, will look for more playing time, especially after the departure of 2025's primary slot receiver, Calvin Austin III. Wilson was drafted in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of the University of Michigan. He had a rough start to his time with Pittsburgh, as he was injured in 2024 training camp with an ankle issue. He then suffered another injury, this time to his hamstring, in the early parts of the 2024 regular season. 

Wilson saw very limited action in 2025 too. This time, it was a lack of usage and even being a healthy scratch in some games. In 2026, Wilson has a chance with a new head coach and a lack of receiver depth at this point, to get an opportunity. However, according to Steelers writer Bob Labriola, Wilson might not have as easy of a road as perceived. 

"I believe Wilson will be brought to training camp and be given a chance to compete for a roster spot, and also a role within the offense, but I also don't think he can just show up at Saint Vincent College with anything locked up," Labriola wrote. 

Labriola's skepticism more than likely comes from Wilson's lack of play at the professional level, despite being on the Steelers' roster for two seasons. The odds have been stacked against him, as the last regime might not have believed in him. His injuries knocked him out of his rookie season, except for five snaps. Wilson hasn't had the chance to show what he can do with a full role in the offense. When he saw his role expand, he made some big plays at times. It all depends on how much the new coaches want him involved in their scheme and how well his training camp goes. 

Wilson's highest amount of targets in 2025 was five against the Green Bay Packers in Week 8. With those five targets, he reeled in four catches for 74 yards and a touchdown. Outside of that, he never had more than three targets in a game the rest of the season. A bigger role for Wilson might not be bad for Pittsburgh, as he could be just another welcome addition to the group, and there could be some solid production there. It will be a big question mark coming into training camp whether or not the Steelers continue to maintain Wilson's services. 

The Steelers Drafting A Receiver Or Two Could Spell Trouble For Wilson

The Steelers' front office has been speculated to target a receiver with one of its high draft picks throughout the 2026 offseason. Pittsburgh has a dozen draft picks to use, and the lack of youth and depth in the receiver room would be a huge reason for the Steelers to select one or multiple pass catchers in the draft. This wouldn't be good for Wilson, as he would be competing for his job, especially if Pittsburgh drafted a weapon who could be used in the slot. 

Wilson will have to prove his worth in training camp and may have to compete with some highly sought-after rookies for his job. This will be a big test for him. 

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