There are plenty of questions remaining regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2026 roster. While the front office made a variety of additions via the trade market, free agency and NFL Draft, how a new coaching staff will work with the personnel has yet to be determined. One area that has hurt the organization of late has been wide receiver. There has not been nearly enough depth or firepower; however, that is set to change with DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., Germie Bernard and Roman Wilson expected to be the top four once meaningful football is being played.
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Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf runs on the field at the UPMC Sports Complex as the team practices during 2025 Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in Pittsburgh, PA.
It shouldn't come as a shock if the Steelers decide to bring one more pass-catcher into the fold. The depth seems to be there, but if an injury or some kind of suspension were to occur, it is going to be a lot more difficult to be dangerous in the wide receiver category. This is exactly why Pittsburgh needs Bernard, Wilson, or both, to have very respectable seasons.
The two are entering different phases of their professional careers. One is a rookie that will have the inside track to starting in the slot, and the other is a third-year player that has gotten almost no traction since being drafted in 2024. Regardless, the franchise could be in very good shape if the duo turns out to be a lot more formidable than some have originally projected it to be.
In a recent appearance on 93.7 The Fan, insider Mark Kaboly was talking about the numbers three and four in the wide receiver room. Both Bernard and Wilson have been impressive, and the beat writer made sure to really talk highly about the former Michigan Wolverine.
"Roman Wilson, I think, is in that same breath [as Bernard]," Kaboly said. "Tons of potential. You see it every single day in practice, where he looks amazing, but it just hasn't translated. That first year, I think, hurt him a lot. [He] got hurt early on a jet sweep. Then, he just never recovered, never got back on that moving train. Last year, he just wasn't where he's supposed to be."
The rookie campaign for Wilson was a big-time disaster. After he got hurt in training camp, he attempted to make his way back, but ended up suffering a hamstring injury that pretty much ended his season. He has never fully recovered from that, as Kaboly noted, which is one of the main reasons why the Steelers probably felt the need to draft someone like Bernard in the first place.
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Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) stands on the field as he walks next to teammates while going through stretching during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
The best possible scenario for the Steelers would be Wilson finding his footing in the NFL. He seems to be displaying that he is capable of having a breakout season; however, he will need opportunities to make his case. Training camp and the preseason will be crucial, but regular-season reps might only occur if there is some kind of injury to a starter.
Known for his shifty route-running, Pittsburgh could use an unexpected playmaker to help the offense in 2026. Bernard will be thrown into the fire as a rookie with high expectations, but maybe Wilson should be the one that initially gets a chance to showcase what he is made of. Regardless, having four capable pass-catchers will really help that side of the ball and make Aaron Rodgers' job a little bit easier.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers prepares to make a throw while he practices at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during the 2025 mandatory minicamp on Tuesday June 10, 2025.
Steelers Have To Be Hoping Rodgers Starts To Trust Wilson
Rodgers is not just any quarterback. He is 42 years old and pretty stuck in his ways. If he doesn't build solid rapport with Wilson throughout the summer, it could end up being another unfortunate go-around for the young wideout. The main goal should be getting the two on the same page, because it could unlock a talent that the Steelers have been hiding in the background for pretty much two full years at this point.
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