The Pittsburgh Steelers made addressing their lack of talent and depth at the wide receiver position a priority this offseason. That’s why they traded for WR Michael Pittman Jr. and drafted WR Germie Bernard. Part of the reason they are in this spot is because third-year wide receiver Roman Wilson hasn’t worked out so far.
Sometimes, wide receivers take off in their third year in the league. Obviously, the Steelers and Wilson would love it if that were true. However, QB Aaron Rodgers showed that he did not trust Wilson during the 2025 season. That’s why our own Joe Clark wondered if Rodgers’ return is bad news for Wilson.
Beat writer Mark Kaboly is probably wondering that, too. He thinks that Wilson will have to work hard this summer to make sure things are right between him and Rodgers.
“He’s gonna have to be where he needs to be, or No. 8’s not gonna throw him the ball,” Kaboly said Monday on 93.7 The Fan’s The Fan Morning Show. “He has to prove it to him, because Rodgers proved that last year that he wasn’t happy with Roman Wilson. That’s why you got [Adam] Thielen, [Marquez Valdes-] Scantling, and [Ben] Skowronek in there, and your number was a third-round pick on the bench. So I think he has a lot to prove to the quarterback right now.”
Roman Wilson doesn’t have the benefit of the doubt with anyone, outside of potentially the front office. This is a new coaching staff this year. New head coach Mike McCarthy worked with general manager Omar Khan to draft Germie Bernard in the second round this year. Which receiver do you think will receive more grace from McCarthy and company?
Then there’s the matter of Aaron Rodgers. Yes, Rodgers said all the right things publicly about Wilson, even in the midst of the latter not seeing the field. However, Wilson only received 21 targets in 2025 and none after Week 13. That’s not a good sign for a wide receiver who is now facing more competition than ever. And that’s for both playing time and a roster spot.
If Roman Wilson wants to stick around for 2026 and beyond, he has to prove himself to everyone. Perhaps the most important person isn’t a coach but his quarterback.