Steelers' Roman Wilson Is Now "Pretty Much A Lock" To Make The Team Ahead Of 2026 NFL Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers lacked wide receiver depth in 2025. The team relied on older veterans and a less experienced group to pair with DK Metcalf. However, even with a clear lack of depth, 2024 third-round pick Roman Wilson saw the short end of the stick. Wilson, who has endured injuries throughout his young career, saw a lack of usage in 2025. In his rookie season, he only saw one game with five snaps after he recovered from his first injury. Wilson was hurt again and missed the rest of the season. 2025 was supposed to be a big year for the University of Michigan product, but it fell short. 

Wilson saw only four starts in 13 contests. His biggest game came when he had four catches for 74 yards and a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in Week 8. That game saw him only getting five targets, but a big play helped pad his numbers. Outside of that, Wilson saw minimal targets and snaps and was even a healthy scratch in some games. He saw only 33% of the snaps on offense when he was playing, and his role was small at best. 

The Steelers added some wide receiver depth throughout the 2026 offseason through a trade and the 2026 NFL Draft, but outside of their two stars and a rookie, Wilson could have an opportunity to produce. There has been speculation that he might not even make the team, but Steelers insider Mark Kaboly believes that Wilson is a no-brainer, especially based on the lack of depth still. Kaboly spoke about this on his show Kaboly + Mack. 

"I think he makes the team slam dunk. What do you have behind [Michael] Pittman, Metcalf, and [Germie] Bernard? Then what? Roman's pretty much a lock. See if you can turn him around. He still has a ton of talent. I wouldn't get rid of him. I think it's a no-brainer keeping him," Kaboly said. 

Wilson could have the chance to establish himself behind the two star receivers. Bernard is expected to be a contributor, but he's still a rookie. If Wilson can prove that he can be a factor, he should see an increase in snaps. He has the raw talent between the 4.39 40-yard dash and his route running; it's just a matter of putting it all together at the professional level. No doubt, injuries have hindered that, but the previous coaching staff clearly didn't see a ton in him, as even when he was healthy, he wasn't utilized. 

The next step for Wilson is just proving himself in the various offseason activities over the summer. His advantage is that there isn't experienced, quality depth behind him. This will be a new opportunity for him under a new coaching staff and a new offense. Wilson has the intangibles to be a solid slot receiver for Pittsburgh. This season will be a big determinant of how Wilson will be involved in the Steelers' future. 

The Steelers' Problems With Wilson

Wilson does have some outside factors working against him. His connection and trust with quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn't seem to be there in 2025. Rodgers has signed to run it back, and that could be bad news for Wilson. Rodgers clearly didn't see him as a valuable target, favoring the aging receivers over him during the final stretch of the 2025 season. This could be an issue in trying to get Wilson more involved. 

Another thing that works against Wilson is his inability to play special teams. While that could change, he saw only 11 total snaps on special teams in 2025. If he wants to be a contributor, he may want to make his presence felt on special teams just to make sure his job is safe. However, the enduring lack of receiver depth in the Steel City will help Wilson keep his roster spot, for now. 

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