"Do Or Die": Steelers' Roman Wilson Will Have To Battle In 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a brand new era in 2026. This is one that saw a long-time head coach step down, a roster revamp, and a completely new coaching staff come into play. The team has been constructed to contend. With key additions to several position groups, some players will have to fight to earn a role. They'll have to impress throughout training camp and the preseason, especially within the new system. For some of these young individuals, this will have a huge impact on their careers. This is especially the case for third-year receiver Roman Wilson, who will be playing in a prove-it campaign. 

Wilson has had a rough go of it throughout his young career. He had a very minimal rookie season in 2024, where he only appeared in one game. He has struggled with injuries and paying time. In 2025, he lacked the trust of the future Hall of Fame quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, and was even a healthy scratch in multiple contests. 

Most of his targets came during garbage time, and he didn't have much of a role in the offense. Under a new coaching staff and offensive scheme, there will be no excuse for Wilson. 

Though the Steelers' wide receiver depth has improved, the opportunities are still there for Wilson. If he is given more snaps and still can't produce, his future looks bleak. On an episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, Steelers beat writer Ray Fittipaldo discussed how this season is make-or-break for Wilson. 

"I know Roman Wilson isn't a rookie, but he's kind of like a rookie just because he hasn't had that much experience in the NFL," Fittipaldo said. "Now, he didn't do it all that well his first couple of years, but listen, you're in year three now in the NFL. It's a big year for Roman. I don't want to say this is do or die, but if he doesn't do it this year, then you really have to wonder where he is and what his future is with the Steelers."

Wilson will have to prove himself throughout training camp, but most importantly, in games. If he can be on the same page with his quarterback, he should be looking at an increased role. Time will tell for the young pass-catcher. 

Another thing that Wilson will have to do to ensure his success is earn the trust of Rodgers. The young receiver was not always in the right place at the right time for his signal-caller, and that will be even more of an expectation with his new head coach. Fittipaldo spoke about this on the podcast, too. 

"Think about last year, how demanding Aaron Rodgers was; and, it wasn't just with Roman Wilson, but you had to be in the right place at the right time," Fittipaldo said. "You know, now we're getting like the full scope of Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy together in that offense that you know that they ran for 13 seasons. So, you know, it's almost like, okay, now we understand why Aaron was so demanding because we see how detailed Mike McCarthy is, right?" 

Rodgers expects perfection from his receivers. Wilson has had some trouble with the spots he breaks in his routes or the exact places that his quarterback wants him to get open. Rodgers has had some issues in the past with young receivers, but the Steelers hope that Wilson can rise above this. 

Steelers' Roman Wilson Has Some Competition

Wilson has some competition for the WR3 spot with rookie Germie Bernard. The front office chose him in the second round of the 2026 draft, and Wilson will have to navigate some competition from the rookie. 

This healthy duel should help Wilson work harder and could cement himself as a valuable weapon within the offense. This will be a huge year for the young wideout, and may make or break his future. 

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