The Pittsburgh Steelers are trying to find any way to take that next step forward and stop being a playoff doormat. With all of the moves that they have made, they will go into the season with a real good mix of youth and experience, which is what a team usually wants to thrive quickly. The quarterback position is still a big question mark, whether Aaron Rodgers returns or not. Regardless, many fans and pundits feel that this Pittsburgh team is in a much better spot overall this year, compared to this time last year.

Steelers Aaron Rodgers

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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.

A lot of the growth will depend on the young guys taking a big step forward, however. In his latest mailbag, insider Mark Kaboly was asked about two players in particular, and if they had any chance to be a contributor to the offense in 2026. He was a lot more optimistic about the future of one of those guys.

“[Roman] Wilson has a better shot than [Kaleb] Johnson based on opportunities alone,” Kaboly said. “Wilson is penciled in at the WR3 spot right now and at least saw some action last year during the season. With Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle being the top two choices based on their pecking order, experience, and salary, barring an injury, where does Johnson get his chance?”

Roman Wilson and Kaleb Johnson were both thrown into the doghouse in 2025, and their season ended with concerns about their ability to make it as NFL-caliber players. With Rodgers likely returning, there are more questions about if he can build a relationship with them and give them a better chance to grow, or if he will demand that one or both players get replaced in favor of someone else. 

Steelers Roman Wilson

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Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.

In the limited playing time that Wilson had, he showed some talent. He was actually the best separator in the wide receiver room, and he did well with the few chances he got outside of one blunder. His benching was a mystery, as one of the most talented wideouts on the team suddenly became a healthy scratch in favor of aging receivers, and he never got a real shot to play for the rest of the year. 

On the other hand, Johnson’s benching was clear and obvious: his brutal kickoff mistake back in Week 2 that gave the Seattle Seahawks a free touchdown. Once that happened, he lost his chance to be a real contributor on offense too. On top of that, Kenneth Gainwell emerged as a key piece to the offense, and that left the rookie running back without a real chance to get snaps in meaningful situations. 

With the Steelers’ new three-receiver personnel group that’s expected to be utilized a ton, there is a spot for Wilson to contribute. Pittsburgh is expected to draft a wide receiver in the first round and double dip at the position later on, but they do not like to make a rookie the starter. That trend could continue with the new coaching staff. 

Steelers Roman Wilson

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Former Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Roam Wilson (#1) showboats his way into the end zone after a big play during a collegiate football game.

Meanwhile, the Steelers signed Rico Dowdle to replace Gainwell as the RB2. At best, Johnson will be the RB3 unless someone above him on the depth chart suffers an unfortunate injury. At this point, he won’t be competing for snaps; he will be competing for a spot on the roster. Unless Pittsburgh embraces the running back by committee style, there’s nowhere for the former third-round pick to play and grow.

Steelers Should Be More Forgiving

Both Wilson and Johnson have made some bad early mistakes in their short time in Pittsburgh. However, not allowing them to play and make up for their actions is not the way to treat this situation. All it does it make those bad memories fester in their brain and destroys their confidence. What the players need are chances to prove that they are more than those bad plays, and then they can truly thrive.

What do you think about Wilson and Johnson’s outlook for the near future? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.