Jayden Higgins’ torn ACL during Tuesday’s practice leaves the Houston Texans replacing 525 yards and six touchdowns from their 2025 second-round pick. The Pittsburgh Steelers may hear from receiver-needy teams about Roman Wilson, a 25-year-old third-rounder who could use a fresh start after two miserable seasons.
Wilson has 12 catches for 166 yards and two touchdowns in 14 career games, with all three totals setting career highs in 2025. An ankle injury wrecked his first training camp, a hamstring injury ended his rookie season, and five healthy scratches over Pittsburgh’s final six games last year made Year 2 another season to forget.
Houston could view Wilson as a change-of-scenery bet behind Nico Collins. He’s under contract through 2027 and has experience inside and outside. Wilson would bring depth, although he can’t directly replace Higgins’ size or rookie production.
Roman Wilson is more valuable to the Pittsburgh Steelers than the Houston Texans
DK Metcalf (undisclosed) and Michael Pittman Jr. (hamstring) have missed practice with minor injuries, leaving Pittsburgh without its top two receivers. Neither injury appears serious, and both appear ready for Week 1, but sending away Wilson would recreate the depth problem this roster has spent several offseasons trying to escape.
Wilson’s camp performance gives Pittsburgh another reason to pass. He has worked with the first-team offense, produced a two-touchdown practice with Aaron Rodgers, and looked comfortable in Mike McCarthy’s system. After two years of being either unavailable or buried, he’s finally stacking up useful practices.
Germie Bernard may win the No. 3 job, but asking a rookie to handle every slot snap is unnecessary. Brandon Smith has also dealt with a leg injury, while the remaining receivers offer special-teams value or projection rather than offensive production. One more injured receiver could leave Rodgers short on options.
Wilson’s trade return probably wouldn’t justify that risk. 12 NFL catches won’t bring a premium pick, and a late Day 3 selection in 2027 doesn’t help Pittsburgh in 2026. His upside is more useful to a team trying to win with Rodgers now.
Wilson didn’t play long in the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers, catching his only target for seven yards. That game was more about rookies and newcomers to the preseason roster, so his quick exit shouldn't be viewed as a negative. His route detail, blocking, and reliability need more live reps, which should come with Pittsburgh's upcoming outings against the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills.
Houston can call, and general manager Omar Khan should listen because that’s part of the job. With Metcalf and Pittman sidelined, Wilson has plenty of first-team work waiting at the next practice.
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