When the Pittsburgh Steelers selected WR Roman Wilson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, a lot of people had high hopes. He even drew some comparisons to legendary Steelers WR Hines Ward thanks to his willingness to (and prowess at) blocking.
However, Wilson has not delivered on any of that promise through his first two seasons. An injury robbed him of essentially his entire rookie season. In 2025, he appeared in 13 games but was only targeted 21 times. He did make some plays with those few targets, though. He caught 12 passes for 166 yards (13.8 yards per catch) and two touchdowns. Still, the season was a disappointment. Beat writer Ray Fittipaldo speculated that QB Aaron Rodgers was at least partially to blame, saying he doesn’t think Rodgers “trusts him.”
However, the Steelers still have a serious need at wide receiver this offseason. Beat writer Mark Kaboly thinks that Rodgers and Wilson will have to find a way to work together. That hinges on Rodgers returning, obviously. The two must work together, because Wilson could factor into dealing with the Steelers’ needs. The new coaching staff could help make that happen, too.
“I think you’re gonna wipe it clean and say ‘Hey, this is your third year, show me what you can do,’” Kaboly said Friday on 93.7 The Fan’s The PM Team. “I’m not going to take much into account what you did the last two years… If you get a Roman Wilson like you were expecting to get him, that solves a lot of issues.”
We saw some flashes of what Roman Wilson could be in an otherwise dreary performance for the Steelers against the Green Bay Packers last season. He caught four passes for 74 yards and two touchdowns. In that game, we also saw Wilson play both inside and out. Head coach Mike McCarthy values versatility in his receivers, and Wilson showed he can do that.
Despite falling flat through two seasons, Roman Wilson still has talent. He’s only three years removed from an incredible senior season at Michigan. He caught 48 passes for 789 yards, an average of 16.4 yards per catch, with 12 touchdowns.
Plus, Rodgers has spoken well of Wilson. Both players knew that Wilson had work to do, but Rodgers definitely saw potential in the young receiver. Perhaps with another offseason together, Rodgers and Wilson can deliver on that.
The Steelers need to bring in wide receivers this offseason, no question. However, if Roman Wilson can get things rolling with the new coaching staff, that will be a much-needed boost to the receiver room.