Roman Wilson heads into training camp with a lot more on the line than most players in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers’ 2024 third-round pick barely got a rookie season off the ground because of injuries, and when he did get back into the mix last year, production came in fits and starts as he tried to build chemistry with Aaron Rodgers. That’s never an easy assignment for a young receiver, especially with Rodgers’ long-standing reputation for being selective about who earns his trust.
Now Wilson gets another shot in a setup that could work better for him. He’s entering camp in a new system under Mike McCarthy, and he’s had extra time to keep working with Rodgers as the two move into their second season together. After a strong offseason program, the 25-year-old is expected to arrive in Latrobe as Pittsburgh’s No. 3 or No. 4 receiver behind DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., while also competing for targets with Germie Bernard.
That competition matters. Wilson can create real pressure on Bernard if he carries his offseason momentum into camp. If he doesn’t, the situation could turn quickly and effectively close the door on his future with the organization.
For Wilson, the biggest task is simple: keep strengthening his connection with Rodgers and prove he can be a dependable option for the 42-year-old quarterback. Bernard may be the more polished rookie, but Wilson has one clear edge - he already has a year of experience working with Rodgers, which could help him establish a stronger connection heading into Week 1.
There’s also the matter of Rodgers’ recent bonding trip, where Wilson was included. That’s at least a sign that he remains in the conversation when it comes to the offense this season.
Rodgers said during training camp last year that Wilson needs to "trust himself" and get out of his own head. With another year under his belt, the expectation is that he can keep making progress in the mental part of the game.
The physical tools are already there. Wilson has inside-out versatility, quickness, and the ability to separate.
He showed flashes last season, including a 74-yard performance with a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers. The issue has never really been raw ability.
It’s about syncing with Rodgers, sharpening the technical side of his route running, and cutting down on mistakes. If Wilson can hold his own through camp and the preseason, he’ll give himself a legitimate chance to lock down a steady role once the regular season begins.
In Other News...
Steelers Fans Have Every Reason To Doubt This Offensive Reset
Jon Grudens memories of Mike McCarthy go back to their University of Pittsburgh days, when the future coach was already around every part of practice and showing the kind of work habits that stuck with people. Gruden pointed to that Pitt background as a clue to how McCarthy has always operated, with an early reputation for being willing to do the unglamorous work and stay involved in the details.
For Steelers fans, that history matters because this latest offensive reset is going to be judged on more than scheme talk. McCarthy now has to convince a restless fan base that he can build something functional around Aaron Rodgers and the teams playmakers, and the only way to do that is by earning trust the old-fashioned way, through accountability and visible effort. [Read more 🡒]
Steelers Suddenly Face A Bigger Question About Will Howard
Will Howards standing in Pittsburgh is drawing more attention than a sixth-round quarterback usually does this early in camp. Ray Fittipaldo pushed back on the idea that the Steelers could turn him into meaningful draft capital, pointing out that Howard has not played in a preseason game and that his profile is still the kind teams usually have to build on, not cash in on. Behind Aaron Rodgers, the Steelers are still sorting out the depth chart, and Howard remains part of that conversation rather than a finished product.
Mike McCarthys approach has only added to the intrigue, because the head coach has looked invested in Howards development since January and does not seem inclined to treat him like a throw-in. That is why the trade-bait chatter feels a little premature, even if Howards value will ultimately hinge on what he shows in training camp. For now, the bigger question is not whether Pittsburgh is ready to move him, but whether he can do enough to make the Steelers think twice about ever entertaining the idea. [Read more 🡒]
Pat Freiermuth Has Become A Steelers Problem They Can't Ignore
Pat Freiermuth is heading into 2026 with the kind of pressure that tends to follow a disappointing season and a contract that no longer feels as secure as it once did. After a rough 2025 in which his production dipped well below what the Steelers need from a tight end, the margin for error is shrinking fast, especially with Aaron Rodgers expected to steer a more pass-heavy offense.
Pittsburgh also has more reasons than ever to demand a turnaround. The addition of Darnell Washington gives the Steelers another option at the position and adds another layer to the conversation about how much value Freiermuth can still provide, both as a receiver and as part of the offense's overall balance. If he is going to quiet the noise, he will need to look much more like the dependable pass-catching tight end the Steelers paid for. [Read more 🡒]