PITTSBURGH — The Mike McCarthy era has officially begun in Pittsburgh, but the new coaching staff inherits a lingering question from the old regime: What exactly is Payton Wilson? As the Steelers turn the page to the 2026 season, the third-year linebacker remains an enigma—a hyper-athletic playmaker who hasn’t quite solidified his standing as an every-down linebacker.
New Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham now faces a critical decision. Does he unleash Wilson’s speed despite the durability concerns that caused his draft slide in 2024, or does he box him in as a sub-package specialist? The answer will define the middle of Pittsburgh’s defense this fall.
The Runway is Shortening
Wilson’s 2025 campaign was a mixed bag. While his snap count jumped from 45 percent as a rookie to 63 percent last season, the consistency didn’t always follow. He flashed brilliance in coverage but often found himself washed out in the run game—a fatal flaw in the AFC North.
Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo believes the clock is ticking on Wilson’s chance to be “the guy.”
“That’s gonna be interesting. They gave Payton [Wilson] some runway to earn that full-time job. There were some early-season struggles against the run, and I think Payton had a little bit of that pinned on him. But he didn’t put his head down, and he was still a really good player in sub-packages.”
— Ray Fittipaldo, via 93.7 The Fan
The skepticism is valid. Wilson entered the league with medical red flags but has remained healthy. The issue isn’t his availability; it’s his role. In 2025, the previous staff frequently pulled him off the field for heavier options like Malik Harrison in base downs. Wilson recorded 74 tackles and 2 sacks last season, but those numbers hide the snaps he didn’t play.
Patrick Graham’s Dilemma
Patrick Graham’s defensive philosophy typically favors physical, imposing linebackers who can thump in the run game—a stark contrast to Wilson’s lean, speed-reliant frame. Graham, fresh off a stint running the Raiders’ defense, must decide if he can mold his scheme around Wilson’s unique traits.
“I think the question for Graham is, can you run Wilson out there again? Can you see if you can make it work, even though he’s not that typical body type who’s a full-time inside linebacker?” Fittipaldo noted. “Or do you just stick with him and he’s still gonna play 65-70 percent of the snaps? I think either way, you’ve still got a really good player.”
This offseason is pivotal. Wilson is entering the third year of his rookie deal, meaning contract extension talks are looming next year. If he remains a rotational piece, his value—and his future in Pittsburgh—becomes murky.
What’s Next: The 2026 Outlook
The Steelers aren’t giving up on Wilson. His coverage ability is elite for the position, and his football IQ is undeniable. However, the expectation for 2026 is clear: play with more physicality.
If Wilson can prove he can stack and shed blocks against the run during OTAs and training camp, Graham might give him the keys to the defense. If not, expect the Steelers to hunt for a “thumper” in free agency or the draft to pair with him, effectively cementing Wilson’s ceiling as a situational weapon.
