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Aaron Rodgers Identifies Steelers’ Breakout Candidate Before Preseason Finale

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Aug 20, 2025 9:18 AM ET

In what could be his final season, it sounds like Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has big plans for second-year receiver Roman Wilson.

Rodgers spent Tuesday afternoon praising Wilson, a former Michigan standout and 2024 third-round pick. Although injuries limited Wilson to six snaps last year, he’s since returned with a vengeance; Wilson enters the Steelers’ preseason finale with four catches for 96 yards this summer, including a 42-yard gain against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last weekend.

Three of Wilson’s four catches have gone for first downs, and he’s positioned himself to open Week 1 in the starting lineup.

“Wouldn’t say anything if we just thought he was going to be a guy, just any guy that [you could] throw in,” Rodgers said. “But I think he has a chance to be a big-time talent in the league. So, we’re going to hold him to a high standard.”

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Big plays are nothing new for Wilson, who averaged 16.4 yards per catch in his final collegiate season. Wilson caught 48 passes for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Wolverines two years ago, helping Michigan to its first football title since 1997.

Rodgers has spent nearly two decades using young receivers to his advantage. Davante Adams emerged as a perennial Pro Bowler for the Green Bay Packers by his age-26 season. Randall Cobb went from a 21-year-old, fumbling-prone rookie to a receiver who averaged 68 catches and nearly 800 yards from 2012-17.

“I’m really happy with him, the way he’s played,” Rodgers said of Wilson. “But we’re going to hold him to a standard of excellence that I think he’s capable of reaching.”

Pittsburgh closes the preseason against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night. As Rodgers isn’t playing, however, we won’t see the Steelers’ newest offensive duo in action until the Week 1 opener against the New York Jets.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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