2026 Steelers WR3 Battle: Mark Kaboly Says 25-Year-Old WR Must Deliver
The Steelers already have their WR1 and WR2 spots filled by DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. However, there’s competition at the WR3 position between Roman Wilson and 2026 second-round draft pick Germie Bernard. Despite being chosen by the Steelers in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Wilson hasn’t had an exemplary professional football career. During the majority of his rookie season, he played only five snaps because of injuries. He suffered an ankle injury during training camp that caused him to miss the remainder of camp and the entire preseason. Wilson was placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury on October 28th, 2024, and was out for the rest of the season. Wilson didn’t contribute as much as he was hoping to throughout the 2025 season. He played 13 games. He had 12 receptions for 166 yards and two touchdowns.
Appearing on The Fan Morning Show on Monday, Mark Kaboly shared his thoughts on the battle for the WR3 spot. He remarked, “I’ve always been a Roman Wilson fan until he gets on the field.” Kaboly added, “I don’t think he’s going to get much of an opportunity. Everything you see he does; his work ethic, his practice habits, what he does on the practice field is amazing. He just can’t transfer it to the field.” Kaboly believes that the 25-year-old has limited room for errors. He explained, “I think it’s going to be difficult for him unless he has a good start because I think they’ll give him the opportunity first, but if he fails at any point, I think it’s going to be tough for him to overtake anything Bernard is going to do. I think Bernard is ready to be a difference-maker.”
Training camp will be significant for Wilson. He’ll have a better chance at securing the WR3 spot if he can develop chemistry with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The 25-year-old also needs to stay healthy to remain a viable candidate for the role. After an injury-shortened rookie season limited his opportunities, Wilson enters camp with plenty to prove and a chance to establish himself as a reliable contributor in Pittsburgh's revamped receiving corps. WR3 is a crucial position. It will become especially important if Metcalf or Pittman get injured during the 2026 season.
