The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense is going to get some much-needed help in 2026 with Patrick Graham taking over control of the unit. The group always appeared to be at a schematic disadvantage in recent seasons, especially towards the end of Mike Tomlin and Teryl Austin's tenures. Graham brings fresh ideas to a group that is in dire need of them, with the talent to certainly overachieve.
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Steelers Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham stands with Head Coach Mike McCarthy during rookie minicamp in 2026.
The group within the defense that has perhaps struggled the most in recent years has been the inside linebackers, specifically Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson. Queen came over from the division rival Baltimore Ravens, becoming the quarterback of the Steelers' defense in 2024. Wilson was a third-round pick in 2024 who became the spot starter in his rookie season. He had a solid first campaign, but struggled in year two and was even briefly benched for Malik Harrison (who also came over from the Ravens).
Wilson had very high expectations going into his second season, claiming he was the best coverage linebacker in the world. That was certainly not the case, allowing a passer rating of 104.3 and he had an overall grade of 52.6 according to Pro Football Focus. His underwhelming season puts him in a make-or-break year three. If he doesn't become the guy for the Steelers now, his run in the Steel City may not last much longer.
Steelers insider Mark Kaboly recently appeared on 93.7 The Fan, where he discussed the Steelers' linebacker room as a weakness heading into 2026. Kaboly notes that if there is a position group for Steeler Nation to scratch their head about, it's the middle linebackers, with Wilson and Queen being so inconsistent the last few seasons. Kaboly had a message to Steelers fans about Wilson in particular, all but confirming 2026 to be his prove-it year.
"If it's not Payton Wilson this year, then it's never gonna be Payton Wilson," Kaboly stated.
Wilson displays tremendous upside with his freakish athleticism, and at times, elite coverage ability. Despite his positive traits, he's yet to show the ability to be a true three-down linebacker due to his run defense struggles. If Wilson wants to become the future green-dot leader of the Steelers' defense, he will have to show that he can be an every-down player, and that starts with improving his run defense.
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Pittsburgh Steelers middle linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Wilson's struggles in coverage stem from several factors, but one should be fixed thanks to a new staff. In Tomlin's scheme, the inside linebackers would at times be forced to cover slot receivers with no help. Graham should be someone that comes in and avoids that strategy. Previous seasons would also see players having to cover too much of the field, making it nearly impossible to consistently effective.
If Wilson is unable to excel in Graham's defense, it will open up another hole in the roster that's already big enough. With 2026 looking like Queen's last season as a Steeler, the team will have to replace him. Now, if Wilson becomes the next man out the door, it would be another complete overhaul of the inside linebacker room.
Steelers Need Wilson To Step Up In A Big Way In 2026
Wilson gave Steelers fans lots of hope after his rookie season, but that hope has come to a bit of a stalemate. He was an older rookie when drafted, already 24 years old. Now, he's 26 and still hasn't proven himself. Wilson needs to show he can defend the run effectively and be steady in coverage, and he should be able to do that under Graham.
Graham will hopefully allow Wilson to really use his freakish athleticism and size to the best of his abilities, lining up in better spots to make plays. Graham has gotten better play out of linebackers that don't have nearly as many good traits as Wilson possesses. Hopefully he can unlock the full potential Wilson has.
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