Steelers Now
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson has his sights set on a much bigger role heading into his second NFL season.
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers second-year linebacker Payton Wilson could be set up for a much larger role in 2025 after the team let linebacker Elandon Roberts leave in free agency. Wilson is hoping that’s the case, at least.
“Like I said since last year, whatever they need me to do, I’m gonna do it,” Wilson said. “Obviously, I want to be out there every single snap trying to prove myself.”
Wilson, 25, had a productive rookie season as a situational inside linebacker behind Roberts and Patrick Queen. He recorded 78 tackles (49 solo), one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, one interception and two passes defensed.
However, it won’t be as easy as Wilson just swapping places with Roberts after the Steelers also signed linebacker Malik Harrison in free agency.
That is why Wilson is focused on proving himself on the field this summer.
“Just continue to show the guys that I have what it takes with knowing the playbook, communicating, and then just flying around every snap,” Wilson said. “Last year, we had E-Rob, who had been here for a long time. But now that he’s gone, I feel like there’s a good chance of being able to take every snap, and I’m pretty excited for it.”
Wilson does seem to have an upper hand for the starting job, given his experience in Pittsburgh’s defense and third-round draft capital from a year ago.
He revealed his relationship with Queen has only continued to grow on and off the field, too.
“It’s been cool to be out here with him every single snap,” Wilson said. “We played a lot together last year, but to build that chemistry, build the connection, it’s just been awesome to work on that relationship.”
Wilson was viewed as a luxury pick last year, but he has quickly turned into a player that the Steelers could heavily rely on in 2025.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers LB Payton Wilson Eyeing Bigger Role in 2025: ‘I Want to be Out There Every Single Snap’
