Even if Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Payton Wilson never takes his game to the next level, it would be hard to call him a bust. A former third round pick who dropped due to serious medical questions, Wilson has flashed as an effective inside linebacker for the modern game.
Taking the next level means becoming more consistent and effective against the run. He’s shown enough in Pittsburgh, though, to offer plenty of hope he’s yet to reach his ceiling. Consider beat writer Mark Kaboly a firm believer in a third year breakout for Wilson.
“I think it’s a huge year for [Wilson] to make that step,” Kaboly said Friday on 93.7 The Fan. “First of all, he needs to be that guy could be more consistent. He has all the talent in the world, but the consistency was lacking last year and that was kind of surprising. Especially in pass coverage. He has a chance to make some cash next year or this year going into next year.
“Because I don’t think Queen is going to be around next year. I really don’t. So I think he has all the abilities to be that guy.”
Timing is everything in the NFL. For multiple reasons, Wilson’s time is now. Patrick Queen is on the final year of his contract and was brought in to be the every down leader of the defense. Wilson will be entering the third season of his rookie deal and will be eligible to sign a contract extension after the 2026 season.
For those reasons alone, there couldn’t be a better moment for Wilson to have a breakout season and cash in. The hope for Wilson to realize his potential goes beyond that, however. On paper, the Steelers’ defense has no obvious holes. The fact that it’s the highest-paid defense has been bandied about plenty, but on paper, this defense has a chance to do something special.
That will require players like Wilson, as well as other defensive pieces like safety Jaquan Brisker and cornerback Jamel Dean to fit in seamlessly. Young players like defensive lineman Derrick Harmon and linebacker Nick Herbig will need to continue to ascend while the veterans like linebacker T.J. Watt, defensive lineman Cam Heyward, and defensive back Jalen Ramsey continue to defy father time.
Plenty will need to happen for the Steelers’ defense to finally emerge as a dominant unit. That’s true of any defense not yet to that point. Payton Wilson’s development will play a large role in that journey. Whether he is able to establish himself as an every down linebacker or if the rotation of personnel will continue will play a large part in telling that story and the story of Wilson’s NFL future.