Player: ILB Payton Wilson
Stock Value: Up
Reasoning: While signs are pointing up for Payton Wilson, the burden is squarely on him to take things to the next level. This offseason, he has an opportunity to show the Steelers he is their future every-down linebacker. He already announced last year that he believes he is that player—now he just has to prove it. Most don’t believe Patrick Queen will return in 2027, which if true, will mean Pittsburgh is auditioning Wilson.
The Steelers believed they were getting a steal when Payton Wilson fell to the third round of the draft. Were it not for medicals scaring teams off, so the draft narrative went, he would have been off the board. A decorated and prolific college player, he certainly arrived in Pittsburgh with some hype.
Arguably, Wilson has shown that potential during his two seasons here. But he has struggled in two key areas, both of which are equally concerning. For one, there’s a question of whether he lacks the size to be a quality run defender in traffic. And equally important, he has not played consistently, even in the areas he normally handles well.
But Payton Wilson is still a young player, going into his third season, even if he is already 26. And he still had 126 tackles last season with 6 for loss. He still recorded 2 sacks and an interception. He is capable of making plays, and chasing down others.
But the Steelers want to see more from Wilson this year—more of everything. More hustle, more shedding blocks, more splash plays, more plays in coverage. Well, not quite more of everything—they’ll also want to see fewer missed tackles.
Because they want to know if Payton Wilson is the guy for 2027 and beyond. Based on that answer, the Steelers will shape their offseason. if they don’t trust him to be the every-down linebacker, they may try to re-sign Patrick Queen. Or they might feel the need to hit the position hard in free agency, potentially the draft as well. Either way, 2027 is a contract year for him, so he has to be at the top of his game.
With the 2026 offseason well underway and many moves made, we have stock to take. Already promisinga year of change, the Steelers are shaking things up. That is unavoidable, of course, when you gut the coaching staff. Mike Tomlin’s resignation has fundamentally changed this football team, including the players on the roster.
After a long season, the Steelers showed the ability to win the division and make the playoffs. But they also showed that their progress was 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 AFC North. But it didn’t help.
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