Steelers LB Payton Wilson Faces Mounting Pressure After Landing on Bust Watch

If there’s one spot on the Pittsburgh Steelers defense that needs more from its position group, it’s arguably inside linebacker. While the secondary has been inconsistent, the two inside linebackers have lacked the same level of reliability, especially in pass coverage. One linebacker under the microscope in 2026 is Payton Wilson. The 2024 third-round pick has all the tools to become one of the NFL’s top linebackers. He has flashed that potential but has yet to sustain it from week to week. Now, Bleacher Report has placed him on draft bust watch for 2026.

Moe Moton of BR NFL argued that Wilson must put everything together in a pivotal third season.

“Payton Wilson is headed into a crucial year for his development. In 2025, he logged a team-leading 126 tackles (six for loss), two sacks, two pass breakups and an interception across 17 games (four starts). Wilson has shown the traits to earn a two-down role in run support, but he must show improvement in pass coverage for a true breakout year. Although Wilson stood out as a tackling machine, he struggled in coverage, allowing two touchdowns and a 104.7 passer rating.” Moton wrote.

Is Wilson entering his last chance to avoid the "bust" label?

In reality, the NFL has very few elite coverage off-ball linebackers. They are rare, as the league has trended toward lighter, faster defenses with safety-linebacker hybrids often handling those responsibilities. However, Wilson’s struggles extend beyond pass coverage. He has also experienced significant issues against the run early in his career. In Week 3 of the 2025 season, the Steelers reduced Wilson’s snap count in favor of Cole Holcomb. Keep in mind, Holcomb had not played in two years after suffering a devastating knee injury.

Once Malik Harrison returned from injury, he assumed more of the early-down workload, limiting Wilson to just four starts. He is not a "bust" at this point, and a new coaching staff could help him put everything together. Still, he needs to deliver a strong 2026 campaign.

Wilson has the ability to elevate the Steelers defense.

Athlon Sports highlighted both inside linebackers this offseason and examined how they could unlock the defense. Wilson, in particular, is a critical piece of that puzzle. Not only against the run but on passing downs as well. The Steelers have already seen what Wilson looks like at his best. When he plays at a high level, the defense often follows.

Wilson’s best performance of 2025 came against the Indianapolis Colts. In that game, the Steelers slowed a red-hot offense led by Jonathan Taylor and Daniel Jones. Wilson finished with 14 tackles, two pass breakups, and an interception that he returned 17 yards. Ultimately, it comes down to which version of Wilson shows up each Sunday.

If the Steelers consistently get the version of Wilson they saw against the Colts or the Minnesota Vikings, this defense will have a much better chance of reaching the level it expects to achieve.