Player: WR Roman Wilson
Stock Value: Up
Reasoning: After weeks of media predictions of his downfall, Roman Wilson heard his new head coach talk him up yesterday. At the annual league meeting, Mike McCarthy said they’ve had positive conversations. In so many words, he expressed belief that Wilson could have a bright future in his offense.
Outside of trading for Michael Pittman Jr., the Steelers have essentially done nothing at wide receiver this offseason. That leaves Roman Wilson in pole position to be the third receiver behind DK Metcalf and Pittman. The draft could change that, as, frankly, it wouldn’t be shocking if they drafted three. Most are expecting at least two, and certainly one at a minimum.
A 2024 third-round pick, Roman Wilson had struggled to deliver thus far in his still-young career. As a rookie, a series of injuries considered to keep him off the field—including the practice field. Last season, after gaining some ground, the coaching staff—or perhaps Aaron Rodgers—seemed to lose confidence in him. After acquiring some veteran wide receivers, the Steelers put him on the bench.
Wilson caught 12 passes last season for 166 yards and 2 touchdowns. He had a big 45-yard reception from Rodgers on one play. But he also had a foolish fumble in another. At other times, Rodgers visibly expressed his frustration with the young receiver.
If his relationship with Rodgers was at the heart of Wilson playing less last season, that could obviously be a problem again this year. We don’t know if Rodgers will return, but it is still the most likely outcome. If he does, though, will he and Roman Wilson be on the same page at a higher level?
Just as importantly, will Wilson fit into Mike McCarthy’s offense better than the did Arthur Smith’s? McCarthy seems to think so. He was still a head coach in 2024, so he would have scouted Wilson coming out of Michigan in 2024. And he will have had the time to review Wilson’s practice and game tape since then. Speaking regularly with Aaron Rodgers, I’m sure McCarthy also has feedback through that channel, as well.
With the 2025 season behind us and the new league year underway, we still have stock to take. Already promisinga year of change, they are shaking things up. That is unavoidable, of course, when you gut the coaching staff. Mike Tomlin’s resignation will fundamentally change this football team, including the playoffs on the roster.
After a long season, we have finally seen that this Steelers team is playoff-bound. But they also showed that their progress was actually minimal,since they made it no further. Two years in a row, with two different quarterbacks, they went 10-7 and lost in the Wild Card Round. The only differences are they ended the season on a higher note and won the division. But it didn’t help.
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