The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense didn’t do much right in Week 10 against the Los Angeles Chargers. It posted 221 total yards, converted only two of 11 3rd downs, turned the ball over twice, and only scored 10 points. Roman Wilson scored the Steelers’ lone touchdown, but that came when the game was basically over. Although there was hope that Wilson could be a solid contributor this season, he hasn’t made many plays. Analyst Mike Renner hasn’t been impressed with Wilson in Pittsburgh.
“I wasn’t super high on Roman Wilson coming out, but even I am surprised that he has not been a factor whatsoever for the Steelers offense, outside of obviously the garbage time touchdown at the end,” Renner said recently on his Pushing the Pile podcast. “But at Michigan, he had reliable hands.
“He, at least, was seemingly a competent route runner, had some speed element to his game, but he just seems almost like an afterthought in the offense through two seasons now.”
The Steelers drafted Wilson in the third round in 2024. The team needed a number two receiver after trading Diontae Johnson away, and Wilson looked in line to at least be a contributor. Unfortunately, he missed most of his rookie season due to injuries.
Wilson’s story is very similar this season, minus the injuries. The Steelers traded away George Pickens, leaving them with a hole at receiver. Now healthy, Wilson could’ve filled that void. However, he has barely performed. Wilson has 11 catches for 149 yards and two touchdowns in nine games.
Calvin Austin III has been the Steelers’ number two receiver, but he missed several games due to an injury. Wilson’s numbers didn’t grow much during that time. His best NFL game came in Week 8 against the Green Bay Packers. He caught four passes for 74 yards and one touchdown. Similar to the Chargers game, much of Wilson’s production came when the game was essentially over.
Despite those issues, it’s too early to give up on Wilson. He’s only 24 years old, and this is his first time playing in the NFL. Austin also missed his rookie season, and he wasn’t great the following year, but he’s now a quality receiver. Perhaps Wilson can follow a similar career trajectory. His NFL story isn’t over yet.
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