Steelers LB Got Snubbed From Pro Bowl

The Pittsburgh Steelers will send three representatives to the 2026 NFL Pro Bowl. Two recurring names in veterans T.J. Watt and Jalen Ramsey will make their returns to the annual all-star festivities, joined by special teams ace and first-time Pro Bowl player Ben Skowronek.

Unfortunately for the Steelers, one deserving player was snubbed from the group. Inside linebacker Payton Wilson has developed into an every-down, all-around inside linebacker. Even with a breakout campaign, including his first year with more than 100 total tackles, he was still left off the AFC's Pro Bowl roster.

The Pro Bowl is now a popularity contest more than an evaluation of the best players at each position, and that's exactly why Wilson isn't a member of this year's Pro Bowl.

Tackling Machine

When WIlson entered training camp this past summer, he deemed himself ready to be the best pass-coverage linebacker in the NFL. That hasn't been the case quite yet, evidenced by his allowing an 85% completion rate against him when targeted in pass coverage with just one interception and no other pass breakups.

But Wilson has become a tackling machine. He's averaging 7.9 tackles per game this season. He's recorded double-digit tackles in four different contests in 2025, and his 118 tackles on the season rank 11th in the AFC and 17th in the NFL.

And that's not a result of garbage time tackles or the scheme relying only on him to make those stops. Instead, it's a result of his athleticism. While his passing coverage needs work, his speed is a huge asset on the field. He explodes towards the ball-carrier and can plug gaps quickly due to his athleticism. That's how he makes multiple plays a game for the Steelers.

That includes sacks. As a rookie, he played in 17 games and didn't record a single sack. In 15 games this year, however, he's recorded 2.0 sacks, adding yet another facet to his game.