The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2026 offseason with wide receiver Roman Wilson still on the roster, despite limited production in his first two NFL seasons. Alongside top receiver D.K. Metcalf, Wilson remains one of the Wolverines returning with more than 70 receiving yards in 2025, though his role and impact for Pittsburgh have been minimal so far.
Roman Wilson’s Role and Performance in Pittsburgh Through 2025
Wilson, a 2024 third-round pick, has struggled to find consistent playing time in his first two years, accumulating just 12 receptions and 166 receiving yards. By the end of the 2025 season, he was frequently a healthy scratch, unable to surpass aging veteran receivers who were often signed late in the season. These veterans are expected to leave during the offseason, yet the Steelers’ plans indicate Wilson will remain part of the team moving forward.
ESPN’s Brooke Pryor highlighted this retention, stating,
“Although Wilson was inactive for four of the five final regular-season games and the wild-card game, the Steelers don’t intend to part with the 2024 third-round pick, a source familiar with the team’s plans indicated to ESPN,”
emphasizing the team’s commitment to giving Wilson more opportunities.
Adjusting to Mike McCarthy’s Offense and the Impact on Wilson
Though Wilson won’t be moving teams, the arrival of new head coach Mike McCarthy will offer a significant shift in the Steelers’ offensive philosophy. Unlike the previous regime under Arthur Smith, which favored tight ends, McCarthy’s offense is expected to be more friendly toward wide receivers, potentially providing Wilson with more chances to prove himself.
Wilson’s main challenge remains earning consistent playing time. He participated in just 33% of offensive snaps during the 13 games he dressed in 2025, a low figure given Pittsburgh’s limited wide receiver options. His playing time took a further hit as team veterans Adam Thielen and Marquez Valdes-Scantling caused him to be sidelined as a healthy scratch late in the year.
Building trust with the starting quarterback and increasing his target volume will be crucial for Wilson’s development. Last season, he was targeted more than twice in only three games, and in two of those, his involvement peaked only when game outcomes were largely decided, limiting his chance to demonstrate impact in meaningful moments.
Wide Receiver Priorities for the Steelers’ 2026 Offseason
Following Metcalf and Wilson, Ben Skowronek stands as the next receiver on the depth chart, mainly contributing on special teams rather than as a reliable wideout. This depth situation makes adding new receivers a clear offseason priority. Experts like Mark Kaboly expect the Steelers to pursue at least one familiar or notable wide receiver through trade or free agency.
Kaboly remarked,
“I fully anticipate them acquiring some sort of a wide receiver that you’ve known or have heard of as that number two guy, either in trade, via free agency,”
during a conversation with Chris Mueller on 93.7 The Fan, as reported by Steelers Depot’s Jeremy Pike. He added,
“That’s pretty much a slam dunk. They’re going to add that wide receiver two guy, then draft a guy,”
underscoring the team’s intent to bolster the position substantially.
One possible target Kaboly suggested is Jacksonville Jaguars wideout Brian Thomas Jr., signaling the Steelers’ interest in established talent to support Metcalf.
The Outlook for Roman Wilson Amid New Competition
The addition of multiple receivers will inevitably push Wilson further down the depth chart. However, Pittsburgh’s decision to keep him makes sense given his affordability and potential upside. With two years remaining on his rookie contract and still under 25 years old, Wilson represents a low-risk option for the Steelers if he can develop under McCarthy’s system.
The 2026 offseason will be pivotal for Wilson’s career trajectory, as he faces increased competition and a new offensive approach. Successfully adapting and earning playing time could allow him to capitalize on his opportunity and contribute meaningfully in the coming seasons.
