Report: Steelers hope second-year WR will replace George Pickens in 2025

Following the surprising George Pickens trade that saw the Steelers lose their WR2 in exchange for the Cowboys’ 2026 third-round and 2027 fifth-round picks, many fans are left wondering: who will step up to replace him? According to one insider, the honor belongs to second-year WR Roman Wilson.

Following the Pickens trade, insider Jeremy Fowler recently took to social media to explain what the Steelers expect from Wilson in 2025:

"[The Steelers] are counting on a Roman Wilson Year 2 jump. This offseason, he looks like a different player than from his injury-riddled rookie campaign."

Wilson, who spent the entirety of his rookie season MIA due to injury and unfamiliarity with the playbook, has some big shoes to fill after Pickens was shipped off to Dallas. With that in mind, fans who were clamoring for his involvement last season may finally get their wish — especially in a potential Aaron Rodgers–led offense that features DK Metcalf and Wilson as the primary pass catchers.

On Pittsburgh's offense, post-Pickens trade:

-#Steelers remain in contact with Aaron Rodgers and are hopeful that he'll be a Steeler. But, as of now, no hard update.
-Team counting on Roman Wilson Year 2 jump. This offseason he looks like a different player than from his…— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 7, 2025

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Report: Steelers hopeful Roman Wilson will step up after Pickens trade