The 2026 Pittsburgh Steelers will look very different versus how they did back in 2025. For starters, the team went into the offseason needing a running mate alongside wide receiver DK Metcalf, so they traded for Indianapolis Colts star wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. The team is now inching closer to hosting the 2026 NFL Draft, and as usual this time of year, everyone has an opinion as to the direction they will go to address their roster overall.
Eric Thayer / Associated Press
Steelers' newly acquired wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. catches a touchdown pass in an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams.
On Tuesday's edition of The Snap Count podcast, former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch mentioned what direction he believes the team will go moving forward. The acquisition of Pittman was great to get another big body that can take attention off of Metcalf on the field, and Batch firmly believes the Steelers still would like to continue to develop Roman Wilson as their number three wide receiver in 2026. The long-time QB spoke to that when asked about where he believes General Manager Omar Khan's eyes will be during the draft.
"I think that's a stretch," Batch said. "I mean, you have two guys that are making top dollar at this particular point. All indications that it looks like they're going to give Roman Wilson every chance to earn that spot, which will be that third receiver spot."
While it was originally believed the team would look to target a wide receiver with the 21st overall pick in the first round, these new reports wanting to develop Wilson at the position seem to have changed public opinion. The Pittman trade also plays a large factor into that shift in attention for what they want to target as far as draft prospects are concerned. While rumors are always running wild this time of year, it seems the organization could be leaning offensive line with that 21st overall pick now. There is no telling how they actually will go, but it seems as if they have moved off of wide receiver, at least in the first round.
Ryan Sun / Associated Press
Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf walking off the field frustrated during a game at the Detroit Lions in 2025.
Wilson, a 24-year-old former third-round pick by Pittsburgh from the University of Michigan, has battled through a lot of adversity so far in his young NFL career. In 2025, Wilson had just 12 receptions for 166 yards with two touchdowns. In his final year at Michigan, he collected 48 receptions for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns, while being a key part of a National Championship team.
Steelers Possibly Giving Wilson One Last Chance
With more speculation that Pittsburgh has shifted its attention in the draft and that they want to develop Wilson, this could be a year where he is finally able to breakout and make a name for himself as a solid WR3 in the NFL. The organization also currently holds 12 picks overall in the upcoming draft, which includes three in the third round alone. That could pave the way for the team to select another wide receiver, but one that is more of a depth option instead of being viewed as one they want to come in and have an immediate impact.
Given the multiple reports on their believed perspective on Wilson, that would make perfect sense since their draft capital on top of the depth of this year's wide receiver class is so rich. While this 2026 draft class was expected to be quarterback heavy, many quarterback prospects saw their draft stock plummet in recent months. Even with the quarterback class weakening, there are many projected second- and third-round options at wide receiver that could be in play for the Steelers.
Phelan M. Ebenhack / Associated Press
Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson lines up on the field during a 2024 NFL game.
Wilson's 2024 rookie season was derailed by a couple of different injuries. However, he has battled through that adversity and apparently still remains in the plans in Pittsburgh for 2026. While this could be the final chance for Wilson in the Steel City to prove what potential he may have, these reports may also be an encouraging boost for him after enduring a brutal start to his NFL career.
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