Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson during a preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Aug. 10, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
To say the least, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson hasn’t lived up to expectations in his first two seasons. The third-round pick out of Michigan was a healthy scratch on numerous occasions down the stretch last year, as Aaron Rodgers preferred to have veteran receivers Adam Thielen and Marquez Valdes-Scantling in the lineup.
While many in the fanbase have labeled Wilson as a bust. Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz rejects that notion. He sees a bright future for Wilson, noting that the Hawaii native is constantly working on his craft.
“There are guys that aren’t producing that are developing on the team that no one’s heard of,” Kuntz said on his podcast. “One comes to mind now: Roman Wilson. People think the production wasn’t there the first two years — they’re calling him a bust. They don’t know that he’s working his ass off. I will — and I’ve continued to — back Roman because I see how he works, and I know it’s going to pay off. I believe in him.”
In 13 games in 2025, Wilson recorded 12 receptions for 166 yards and two touchdowns. He was hampered by injuries in his rookie campaign, playing in only one game.
Former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin explained the decision of giving Scotty Miller the nod over Wilson.
“Scotty’s a capable backup punt return and I thought that was the difference,” Tomlin said during his Tuesday press conference after the Steelers’ Week 14 win over the Baltimore Ravens.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson at practice on Nov. 12, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Wilson showed promise in 2025. Following Pittsburgh’s Week 5 bye, he has gotten more and more opportunities on offense, racking up 11 catches for 159 yards and two touchdowns over the past six weeks.
In the team’s Week 11 win against the Cincinnati Bengals, Wilson logged the second-most snaps (37) among the Steelers wide receivers, behind only Metcalf (56).
He even received high praise from Rodgers.
“Rome’s a great kid. He’s been playing really well the last few weeks. I’m proud of him. He’s been practicing the right way. He’s been growing and working on his craft. He’s so damn fast,” Rodgers said. “Ro and Cal (Calvin Astin) are such great dudes. They want to do right by me and Arthur (Smith) and the offense. I’ve got nothing but love and appreciation for those guys.”
it will be interesting to see how things unfold for Wilson under new head coach Mike McCarthy. The Steelers need to see a big leap from Wilson in Year 3.
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