The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2025 season with a clear and familiar mission: Super Bowl or bust. That goal hasn’t changed under Mike Tomlin, nor has the sense of urgency that surrounds a team built to contend right now.
With Aaron Rodgers making what feels like his last ride, and high-profile additions like DK Metcalf and Jonnu Smith on the offensive side of the ball, expectations were sky-high. But as we sit here heading into Week 4, the question lingering among fans and analysts alike isn’t about Rodgers’ arm or Metcalf’s ability to dominate—it’s about the ghost in the room: Roman Wilson.
The second-year wide receiver was one of the most talked-about names during the offseason. After flashing in camp and turning heads with his versatility in the slot, Wilson was pegged by many to be an X-factor in Arthur Smith’s offense. Instead, he’s been missing in action.
Through three weeks, his stat line is shockingly bare: one catch for seven yards, which came in Week 2. That’s it. For a player who was supposed to be part of the Steelers’ next wave of offensive playmakers, the silence has been deafening.
To be fair, Pittsburgh’s offense isn’t exactly built to light up the scoreboard. Even with Rodgers under center, there have been more questions than answers. The flashes are there—vintage throws from Rodgers, big plays from Metcalf, and steady contributions from guys like Pat Freiermuth and Calvin Austin III—but there’s no denying that consistency has been hard to come by.
The Steelers are 2-1, yes, but it feels more like Rodgers has been patching leaks with duct tape than the offense functioning as a well-oiled machine.
The Pittsburgh Steelers need Roman Wilson to contribute more moving forward
And that’s why Wilson’s absence stings. Rodgers has made a career out of elevating receivers, especially versatile slot guys who can win matchups underneath and extend drives. Wilson, in theory, fits that mold perfectly. The fact that he hasn’t been part of the game plan raises eyebrows.
Is it a matter of trust? Is he still adjusting to the speed of the league in year two? Or is he simply getting lost in the shuffle of a crowded wide receiver room headlined by Metcalf?
Whatever the reason, Pittsburgh can’t afford to let a promising talent rot on the vine.
The concern isn’t just about production—it’s about opportunity. The Steelers need every weapon at their disposal if they’re serious about chasing a Lombardi. Relying solely on Rodgers’ brilliance and Metcalf’s explosiveness isn’t sustainable over the course of a 17-game season. Defenses will adjust. Injuries happen. And in those moments, the Steelers will need players like Wilson to step up.
There’s still time. The season is young, and Wilson has the tools to carve out a role. I expect Arthur Smith to make a conscious effort to get him involved as the weeks go on. But if we reach midseason and his name is still an afterthought, hard conversations about his role—and even his roster spot—may need to happen.
For now, though, fans are left scratching their heads. After all the hype, Roman Wilson hasn’t just been quiet—he’s been invisible. And in Pittsburgh, where the bar is set at championships, ghosts don’t win Super Bowls.