Before the 2024 NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers invested hopes in strengthening their inside linebacker corps by signing Patrick Queen to a lucrative deal, following his promising start in Baltimore. Alongside Queen, the team acquired Payton Wilson in the same offseason, selecting him with a third-round draft pick, aiming to develop both players into key defensive assets. The Steelers expected Wilson, known for his coverage skills in college, to grow into a reliable, all-around linebacker.
Challenges Faced During Wilson’s Early NFL Tenure
Despite high hopes, both Wilson and Queen have struggled to consistently meet expectations. Queen’s performance has fluctuated between impressive plays and critical errors, while Wilson has yet to find steady footing in any facet of his position. Although Wilson once described himself as
“one of the better cover linebackers in the world,”
his inconsistencies have been apparent since joining the Steelers.
As Mark Kaboly, a Pittsburgh Steelers beat writer, noted recently, Wilson’s coverage and running capabilities faltered during the previous season.
The way I look at it is, Payton Wilson, he came as a guy who could run and could cover, right? Well, he struggled covering and running last year,
Now I think that a little bit, not teaching, but drilling a little bit differently, maybe he’s able to get that back, his coverage abilities. And all of a sudden, you got a star linebacker at that point.
?Mark Kaboly, Steelers Beat Writer
Wilson’s Strengths and Areas Needing Improvement
Wilson’s biggest asset coming out of college was his pass defense, thanks to his athleticism and coverage skills. However, his run defense has required refinement, especially evident during his rookie NFL season. Although Wilson made 126 tackles in 2024, the raw tackle count masked issues with technique and positioning. He struggled with gap assignments and displayed hesitant play recognition when attacking downhill, often taking poor angles that limited his effectiveness against the run.
These defensive struggles became evident early in the season as Wilson failed to deliver the consistent impact the Steelers expected. As other inside linebackers like Cole Holcomb and Malik Harrison gained more playing time, Wilson’s on-field influence diminished, particularly on run defense.
Passing Defense Concerns and Statistical Setbacks
Defending the pass was supposed to be Wilson’s strong suit, yet opposing quarterbacks found notable success targeting him. Last season, they completed 41 of 45 pass attempts thrown his way, amassing 351 yards and scoring two touchdowns. These throws resulted in a high quarterback passer rating of 104.7 when directed at Wilson, highlighting vulnerability in coverage despite his potential.
Coaching Changes and Prospects for 2026
The Steelers will enter the 2026 season with Patrick Graham as their new defensive coordinator, which could signal a strategic shift benefiting Wilson’s development. Under former head coach Mike Tomlin and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, the team’s defense was often criticized for predictability and underutilizing player strengths. Graham’s arrival offers a chance to revitalize defensive schemes and better leverage Wilson’s talents.
Wilson’s position coach, Scott McCurley, remains in place, so Wilson’s daily drills and individual work may stay largely consistent. However, the broader defensive context could help unlock Wilson’s athletic potential and improve his on-field instincts, particularly in run defense.
The Path Forward for Payton Wilson
There remains significant untapped potential in Payton Wilson’s skillset. If he can enhance his ability to properly fill run gaps and take proper pursuit angles, Wilson could vastly improve his reliability against the run. Coupled with his established pass coverage abilities, this growth would position him as a vital contributor to the Steelers defense. The 2026 season may be pivotal for Wilson’s emergence as a star linebacker, reflecting both his athletic talents and the adjustments anticipated under the new coaching staff.
EZ view of final Kenneth Walker TD run on 3rd & G from 19 #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/bcPZkEdywV
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) September 15, 2025
