When the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Payton Wilson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, it was with the hopes that he could finally be the answer to the long-troubled linebacker position. But after a phenomenal rookie season, Wilson has fallen back down to earth in 2025... and things could go from bad to worse.
It began early in the season. As Wilson got off to a slow start, highlighted by his struggles in run defense, Mike Tomlin didn't allow him to work through his hiccups. Instead, it was veteran Cole Holcomb who was inserted into the lineup for early-down work.