The Steelers have not had great wide receiver cores over the last few seasons, but in 2026 they finally have some depth in the pass-catching room.
The Steelers have a good problem on their hands: a battle for the No. 3 wide receiver spot. Roman Wilson and Germie Bernard are seemingly the third and fourth receivers behind DK Metcalf and newly acquired Michael Pittman Jr. Both are young receivers with tons of upside after being drafted from prominent schools.
Will one of them stand out over the other as the Steelers’ third option?
Tale of the Tape
Bernard, a rookie from Alabama, caught 114 passes for 1,656 yards and nine touchdowns over two seasons. The Steelers drafted the 6-foot-1 receiver in the second round of this year’s draft, 47th overall. Bernard has high expectations from fans and analysts, who many believe could be the next great Steeler receiver.
Wilson’s story is somewhat odd compared to the average high-draft-pick receiver. He played four seasons at Michigan, hauling in 107 receptions and 1,707 yards during his time there, as well as 20 receiving touchdowns. The Steelers drafted him in 2024 after he won a national title with the Wolverines, but he battled injuries his rookie year and only appeared in one game.
Last season, Wilson played a decent amount early on but eventually became a healthy scratch for Mike Tomlin’s team towards the end of the season. He was solid during his limited time on the field, scoring two touchdowns and notching 74 yards against the Green Bay Packers. In total, he caught 12 passes for 166 yards.
Germie Bernard, Roman Wilson Are Young Receivers Improving Together
Recently, the two were seen on social media working out together with notable route coach James Everett Jr., also known as “Route God”. Everett Jr. has worked with many NFL receivers, including Diontae Johnson and Antonio Brown, two former Steelers well known for their crisp route running.
Wilson was posted training with Everett Jr. in March and also recently in July, now with his new teammate Bernard. Obviously, the two will be battling for the third spot on the depth chart come September, but it is great to see them training with each other, especially in a space that is not mandatory.
In RouteGod’s posts, both receivers look quick and smooth throughout their cuts. Their ability to stop on a dime and explode into the ball looks to be very polished thanks to Everett Jr’s training.
Everett Jr. worked with George Pickens the last two offseasons. Him improving his route running was a big reason he had a career year in Dallas with the Cowboys.
Competition is Healthy
Whoever the Steelers end up going with to be their slot receiver will have undoubtedly earned the spot. Receiver depth has been one of the main culprits behind their seasons ending prematurely and in disappointment.
Both Wilson and Bernard are very talented and will be impactful on the field for Pittsburgh. At the end of the day, this is a healthy dilemma for the Steelers to have. It will be interesting to see how the two utilize their opportunities during the remainder of the offseason, but also how the Steelers will use the two receivers regardless of who wins the battle.
Steelers training camp begins July 28, and the preseason starts August 13, when the Steelers take on the Green Bay Packers.
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