Steelers Discover Rare Trait In Roman Wilson That Should Change Everything

When the Pittsburgh Steelers elected to draft Roman Wilson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, there was immediate belief inside the building that he could step in and contribute right away. The Steelers used the 84th overall pick on Wilson at a time when the team was desperate for wide receiver help and searching for young, cost-controlled production to stabilize the passing game. At the time, the fit seemed straightforward. Wilson was expected to compete for early snaps, develop quickly, and potentially carve out a role as a rookie weapon. The organization needed playmakers, and Wilson was viewed as a player who could accelerate that transition rather than sit and wait his turn.

Fast forward to the 2026 offseason, and the situation looks very different. The Steelers have made meaningful improvements to their wide receiver room, adding more established talent and reshaping the depth chart. That shift has changed both expectations and opportunity for Wilson, who is still fighting to earn consistent chances on the field. His first two seasons have been anything but smooth. As a rookie, Wilson dealt with an injury that limited his availability and prevented him from building any real momentum. The missed time stalled his development and made it harder for him to establish trust within the offense. In his second season, even as Pittsburgh continued to look for answers at wide receiver, Wilson still did not receive many opportunities to contribute in a meaningful way.

That lack of usage has only fueled more questions. Steelers insider Mark Kaboly addressed the situation on his show Kaboly + Mack, pushing back on one of the most common theories about Wilson’s struggles. According to Kaboly, the issue is not effort or preparation. The reasoning behind Wilson’s limited role has remained somewhat unclear overall, but Wilson's work ethic simply can't be questioned.

"I will tell you one thing about Roman Wilson too," Kaboly said. "It’s hard to find somebody who works harder than that guy. He’s always the final one off the field by a long shot too. He’s catching 200 balls a day on that JUGS machine."

Kaboly added an important wrinkle, suggesting it also could be that Rodgers didn’t fully trust him as a target. The fact Kaboly threw that in there was telling, especially since he said it after his cohost suggested the issue might be that Wilson doesn’t know what he’s doing on the field on Sundays. Kaboly wanted to add clarity, and that's why he mentioned that tidbit about Rodgers.

Some around the league have quietly suggested that quarterback comfort and in-game trust may have influenced target distribution, with timing and confidence playing a role in who stayed on the field. Whatever the full explanation is, Wilson has found himself on the outside looking in more often than expected for a former top draft investment.

Steelers Enter 2026 With Reshaped WR Corps

Now the Steelers enter 2026 with a reshaped receiving corps led by DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., and Germie Bernard. That group has quickly become the focal point of the offense, making it even more surprising that a player entering his third season like Wilson is still not firmly established in the rotation.

Within Steeler Nation, there has been growing curiosity about why Wilson has not been given more consistent chances, especially given the team’s ongoing search for reliable depth at the position. With Mike McCarthy now in his first year as head coach in Pittsburgh, there is no long-standing attachment to Wilson. He will evaluate the roster objectively, and if Wilson cannot prove he fits the system and earns a role, the team may ultimately move in a different direction as they continue reshaping the offense.

Please feel free to share your Steelers takes and thoughts with me on X (@anthonyghalkias) and consider following for more Steelers-related content and discussion. I’m always open to hearing different perspectives, breaking down games, and talking all things Pittsburgh football. 

#SteelerNation