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Steelers counting on player who only got 5 snaps total last season

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a huge splash this offseason when they traded for wide receiver star DK Metcalf.

But then when they traded away George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, the Steelers found themselves close to the place they started in.

Pittsburgh had a strong WR1 last year in Pickens, but not a lot of depth behind him. That's how it shapes up for this season, just with Metcalf instead of Pickens.

That's what makes 2024 third-round pick Roman Wilson so important.

Wilson played only five snaps due to injury last season, but he's looking at a potentially big role from the outset this time around.

"Wilson's speed and route running were impressive coming out of Michigan, and the Steelers have a history of developing midround receivers into stars," ESPN's Aaron Schatz wrote on Monday. "He'll compete with Calvin Austin III for snaps in the slot this season."

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Aside from Austin and Wilson, the only other notable name near that point on the depth chart appears to be veteran Robert Woods.

Wilson is looking at playing time by default.

With Aaron Rodgers in town, the Steelers will need Wilson to do more than just get on the field because they have limited other options. They'll need him to play well.