The 2026 season could prove to be a pivotal one for Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson.
After flashing plenty of promise as a rookie, Wilson’s second NFL season was filled with both encouraging moments and frustrating inconsistencies. While he emerged as one of the team’s most productive tacklers, his role remained somewhat limited, as former defensive coordinator Teryl Austin and head coach Mike Tomlin often turned to Malik Harrison on early downs.
With Austin no longer leading the defense,
there is a new opportunity for Wilson under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. Graham’s arrival brings a fresh defensive system and could give the former NC State standout another chance to establish himself as a full-time three-down linebacker.
Not everyone is convinced that breakout will happen.
In a recent Bleacher Report article projecting every NFL team’s biggest potential bust for the 2026 season, NFL analyst Moe Moton identified Wilson as Pittsburgh’s selection, citing concerns about his development in pass coverage.
“Payton Wilson is headed into a crucial year for his development,” Moton wrote. “In 2025, he logged a team-leading 126 tackles (six for loss), two sacks, two pass breakups and an interception across 17 games (four starts).”
Moton acknowledged Wilson’s production against the run but questioned whether he has developed enough to stay on the field in passing situations.
“Wilson has shown the traits to earn a two-down role in run support, but he must show improvement in pass coverage for a true breakout year,” Moton writes. “Although Wilson stood out as a tackling machine, he struggled in coverage, allowing two touchdowns and a 104.7 passer rating.”
Moton believes those struggles become even more significant when considering the Steelers’ linebacker room as a whole.
“With Patrick Queen’s inconsistencies as a cover defender, the Steelers need a reliable linebacker on obvious passing downs. Wilson’s time on the field could be limited because of lapses in coverage.”
Wilson’s athleticism and playmaking ability have never been questioned, and he has consistently flashed the speed that made him one of the most dynamic linebackers in college football. However, entering his third NFL season, the expectation is that those flashes turn into consistent, every-down production.
With a new defensive coordinator, increased competition for snaps, and expectations continuing to rise, 2026 could be the defining season in Wilson’s young NFL career. Whether he takes the next step or validates Moton’s concerns will likely play a significant role in the success of Pittsburgh’s defense this season.
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