Aaron Rodgers' Steelers WR Roman Wilson faces pressure after inconsistent season

Aaron Rodgers’ Pittsburgh Steelers are already eyeing wide receiver depth after rookie Roman Wilson’s uneven first season in green and gold.

What happened to Roman Wilson with Aaron Rodgers?

The Steelers drafted Roman Wilson in the third round last April, banking on his route-running and hands to complement Aaron Rodgers’ veteran precision. Instead, Wilson finished the 2025 campaign with **18 catches for 212 yards and zero touchdowns**, while posting a 52.9% catch rate. Coaches and teammates privately flagged drops and inconsistent timing in and out of breaks, sources told reporters. The struggles came despite Rodgers’ 4,125-yard, 27-touchdown season under center.

Why it matters for Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers turns 42 in December and has one year left on his contract. The Steelers’ front office now faces a roster decision: keep five receivers or address the position before Week 1. Wilson’s development directly impacts Rodgers’ red-zone efficiency and third-down conversions, areas where Pittsburgh ranked 19th and 22nd in 2025. General manager Omar Khan said the team would “evaluate every piece” during OTAs this spring.

What comes next for Wilson?

Wilson will report to training camp in mid-July with a chance to reclaim a roster spot. But the Steelers also added veteran speedster Darnell Mooney in free agency and retained veterans like George Pickens and Najee Harris. If Wilson can’t show marked improvement in camp drills, Pittsburgh may look to add competition before the roster cuts in August. Coach Mike Tomlin stressed “every rep counts” during a June 10 press conference, signaling no guarantees for the third-round pick.

How Rodgers’ future ties into the WR room

Rodgers’ contract expires after 2026, leaving the Steelers to decide whether to extend him or draft his successor. A strong 2026 season from Wilson-or another rookie-could ease the transition. But for now, the rookie’s uneven route-running and drops have already drawn scrutiny from local media. The Steelers open training camp on July 24, with roster decisions looming before the Hall of Fame Game on August 3.