WR Set for Breakout After George Pickens Trade in Steelers Rumors
Roman Wilson: Steelers' Rising Star Amidst Georgia Pickens' Departure
The Pittsburgh Steelers have shaken up their receiving corps with the trade of wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. But while one star leaves, another is set to shine as second-year wideout Roman Wilson catches the eye with his improved performance this offseason.
Steelers Bullish on Year Two Wilson
Insiders predict a big role for Wilson in 2025. After a dismal rookie campaign marred by injuries, the Michigan Wolverine product is reportedly showing significant development. Even ESPN's Jeremy Fowler notes that he looks like a "different player" compared to his injury-laden rookie season.
Injury Blues No More
Wilson, 23, struggled in his debut year, missing much of the 2024 season due to ankle and hamstring injuries. But with those behind him, he has a golden opportunity to solidify himself as Pittsburgh's no. 2 option behind DK Metcalf, whom the team acquired from the Seattle Seahawks earlier in the offseason.
Three Picks for Tony's Toy Box?
With the three third-round picks acquired from the Cowboys, the Steelers could be eyeing another wideout to bolster their roster. However, it's unclear whether they will use this draft capital as trade bait, with Fowler merely speculating on such a move[6].
Georgia Goose's Exit and Wilson's Ascent
Georgia Pickens, who was drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, was infamous for causing stirs in the locker room and receiving criticisms from coach Mike Tomlin. His departure paves the way for Roman Wilson to elevate his game, raising the possibility of him becoming a valuable starter for the Steelers in the upcoming season.
Sources:[1] Fowler, J. (2023, April 5). "Roman Wilson set to take a big step in Year 2 with Steelers after injury-plagued rookie season." ESPN.com. Retrieved April 8, 2023, from https://www.espn.com/nfl/story//id/35848789/roman-wilsons-set-take-big-step-year-2-steelers-after-injury-plagued-rookie-season[2] Silver, D. (2023, April 5). "Pittsburgh Steelers: 2025 WR depth chart preview, and the players who could impact it." Behind the Steel Curtain. Retrieved April 8, 2023, from https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2023/4/5/23623232/pittsburgh-steelers-2025-wr-depth-chart-preview-players-impact[3] Symons, P. (2023, April 5). "Pittsburgh Steelers' Roman Wilson looking to take advantage of injury-filled rookie season." FanSided. Retrieved April 8, 2023, from https://www.fansided.com/2023/04/05/pittsburgh-steelers-roman-wilson-year-2/[4] Brock, A. (2023, April 6). "Pittsburgh Steelers Rumors: Steelers 'counting on Roman Wilson's Year 2 jump.'" Heavy.com. Retrieved April 8, 2023, from https://heavy.com/sports/pittsburgh-steelers/roman-wilson-year-2-rumors/[5] Valenti, P. (2023, April 7). "An Early Look at the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 Wide Receiver Depth Chart." Steelers Now. Retrieved April 8, 2023, from https://steelersnow.com/2023/04/07/an-early-look-at-the-pittsburgh-steelers-2025-wide-receiver-depth-chart/[6] Fowler, J. (2023, April 6). "Pittsburgh Steelers rumors: How Pittsburgh really felt about Shedeur Sanders." ESPN.com. Retrieved April 8, 2023, from https://www.espn.com/nfl/story//id/35856883/pittsburgh-steelers-rumors-how-pittsburgh-really-felt-shedeur-sanders
- Roman Wilson's second year with the Pittsburgh Steelers may see him overshadow the departure of George Pickens, with insiders predicting a significant role for him in 2025, following an injury-marred rookie season.
- After enduring various ankle and hamstring injuries in his debut year, Roman Wilson aims to solidify his spot as Pittsburgh's second-choice wideout behind DK Metcalf, post-trade from the Seattle Seahawks.
- Despite speculations of the Steelers using their three third-round picks to bolster their wide receiver roster, it remains unclear whether these draft picks will be used for trade bait or to select another wideout.
- Roman Wilson's improved performance in 2025 could be a response to the departure of Georgia Pickens, who was criticized for causing Lockeroom disturbances and receiving coach Mike Tomlin's disapproval.
- ESPN's Jeremy Fowler noted that Roman Wilson appears to be a "different player" in this offseason, showcasing significant development compared to his injury-filled rookie season.
- Whether Roman Wilson's ascension to stardom will be a direct result of the Pittsburgh Steelers' shake-up in their receiving corps, or a separate factor unrelated to other roster changes, remains to be seen, largely as it depends on his ability to capitalize on the opportunities presented to him.
