One of the Pittsburgh Steelers who had a strong training camp was wide receiver Roman Wilson. Though his first preseason game wasn’t anything flashy, he did make a good sideline catch from Mason Rudolph. Wilson has been stronger out of the slot than on the boundary, but head coach Mike McCarthy wants to push his players to be versatile. Wilson has a strong chance to finally take the leap. One local beat writer believes he has the ability, and the backing from his teammates, to make it happen.
Brendan Howe of Steelers Now reported on Wilson’s strong camp. This year, Wilson has taken things to a new level and changed his approach. It could pay off in a massive way.
“Wilson, typically that sort of matter-of-fact, wasn’t too boastful about his effort … During their stay in the Latrobe area, his teammates — notably [Aaron] Rodgers and DK Metcalf — have campaigned for him. Monday’s session has more importance in Wilson’s mind, a mindset that underlines a subpar statistical showing last season. He was tabbed as an inactive nearly every game down the stretch.” Howe reported.
Two strong endorsements going into 2026 season
Having veterans such as Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf voice confidence in Wilson is a significant endorsement for the third-year receiver. Both players have seen plenty of football and understand what it takes to become a dependable weapon in an NFL offense.
Wilson also enters 2026 with plenty to prove. He missed almost all of his rookie season in 2024 because of injury and endured an up-and-down 2025 campaign before becoming a healthy scratch down the stretch. Still, the Steelers have continued to see the talent that made them draft him.
That support from Rodgers and Metcalf could give Wilson an important confidence boost as he looks to establish himself in McCarthy’s offense.
Will 2026 be the year Wilson makes the leap?
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Wilson has shown flashes of the ability to make plays when given opportunities. The next step is turning those flashes into consistent production and proving he can be a reliable target for Rodgers.
The Steelers don’t necessarily need Wilson to become their top receiver with Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. on the roster. However, if he can consistently win from the slot, make plays down the field, and contribute from multiple spots, he can become an important piece of the offense.
A breakout from Wilson would give McCarthy another dangerous option to work with and make the Steelers much more difficult to defend. With the talent, opportunity, and support around him, 2026 could finally be the year Wilson puts everything together.
