​Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson found himself the target of a wave of criticism after being named the team’s most likely bust for the 2026 NFL season. Bleacher Report singled him out as the candidate most likely to disappoint, pointing to issues in his pass coverage as the main reason.
In Bleacher Report, Moe Moton wrote that Wilson has shown the traits to earn a two-down role in run support, but he needs to prove he can contribute on passing downs. “Although Wilson stood out as a tackling machine, he struggled in coverage, allowing two touchdowns and a 104.7 passer rating,” Moton noted. The analysis suggested that with Patrick Queen’s own inconsistencies as a cover defender, the Steelers require a reliable linebacker on obvious passing downs. If Wilson continues to display lapses in coverage, his time on the field could be limited.
Wilson, who was selected by Pittsburgh in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, has appeared in 34 games and started eight of them since entering the league. Over the past two seasons, he has amassed 204 combined tackles, nine tackles for loss, and two interceptions, underscoring his impact as a run defender while highlighting ongoing questions about his pass coverage.
ESPN also weighed in recently, labeling the Steelers’ linebacker group as the weakest part of the roster. That critique added fuel to the ongoing debate about whether Wilson and his teammates can rise to meet the expectations of a revamped defensive scheme. New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is expected to implement changes designed to shift the narrative for 2026, potentially altering how Wilson is utilized and whether he can become a more complete contributor.
For readers wanting the latest Steelers coverage, including offseason moves, follow The Steelers Wire on X (formerly Twitter) at @TheSteelersWire and like the page on Facebook for updates. This story originally appeared on Steelers Wire under the headline that Payton Wilson faced a new low in NFL disrespect as part of ongoing analysis of his role with the team.