Roman Wilson Creates New Problems For Steelers' Offense And Aaron Rodgers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are still trying to figure out what they have in wide receiver Roman Wilson. Drafted in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Wilson was expected to contribute early, but an injury in training camp derailed his rookie season and kept him from getting into rhythm, as former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has often described as being on a moving train.

Now heading into the 2026 outlook with Tomlin no longer at head coach, questions remain about how Wilson fits into the offense and whether he can carve out a consistent role. Mike McCarthy played no part in drafting Wilson. That means he will give up on him much easier if it comes to that. The Steelers’ receiver room has gotten better. It includes DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., and other younger options, making the depth chart more crowded and less certain behind the top targets.

Many within Steeler Nation have been super curious as to why Wilson hasn't been able to get on the field. Steelers insider Jim Wexell has pointed out that Wilson’s development has created questions for the offense, especially as the team tries to stabilize its passing game. The big question now is whether Wilson can stay healthy, take a step forward, and earn a meaningful role going into the 2026 season. With Aaron Rodgers back, it's pivotal that Wilson gets on the same page with him.

"Behind him is Roman Wilson. OK, now he’s number four… now we are worried about depth a little bit," Wexell said. "Hey, Roman, prove us all wrong. It’s coming out that Aaron Rodgers came out and said, 'Hey, get somebody else.' That kind of guy. Now, does he smooth it over with Roman and they start working together? We will see. It’s hard to see much in only one practice at OTAs… nothing good or bad I can add on Roman other than he is being used first team. He’s the first slot guy right now ahead of Germie Bernard."

The Steelers made the move to trade up in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft to ensure they didn’t miss out on young wide receiver Germie Bernard. He immediately creates competition for Wilson in the slot. McCarthy likes all of his wide receivers to know all three positions, so it’s no secret that both Bernard and Wilson are working across all three areas in McCarthy’s offseason program. It’s interesting to note that Wilson is currently working with the first team over Bernard, though that could just be a result of early pole position and age.

This sets up a clear competition in Pittsburgh’s receiver room heading into the 2026 season. Both Wilson and Bernard are getting opportunities, but neither has separated from the other just yet. 

Steelers' Roman Wilson Feeling The Pressure

For Wilson, the pressure is building to finally turn promise into production after an injury-filled start to his career. For Bernard, the opportunity is there to climb the depth chart quickly if he continues to impress.

Ultimately, McCarthy’s system will reward versatility and consistency. Whoever proves they can handle all three receiver spots at a high level will likely earn the trust of the offense and a bigger role. It's safe to say mostly every Steeler fan is putting their money on Bernard over Wilson. Especially after the noise that Rodgers doesn't seem to trust Wilson. However, Rodgers also doesn't tend to trust rookie receivers setting up quite the spectacle.

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