Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson has changed his jersey number to No. 14 ahead of a pivotal third NFL season. The move comes with a new coaching staff and after wearing No. 10 for his first two years. Wilson aims to secure his roster spot amid competition.
Entering what the team describes as a crucial third season, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson now wears No. 14, according to the team's media site. He previously donned No. 10 during his rookie and sophomore campaigns. The number became available after running back Kenneth Gainwell left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the offseason; it had been worn by George Pickens when Wilson arrived as a rookie in 2024. Past Steelers players to wear No. 14 include wide receivers Ray-Ray McDonald and Sammie Coates, as well as quarterback Neil O’Donnell. Wilson sported No. 14 for his first three college seasons at Michigan, earning the Wolverines' No. 1 jersey in 2023. Recalling that moment, Wilson said, “Coach [Harbaugh] came to our meeting room and was switching a lot of numbers around. He asked me if I wanted the No. 1 this year. Honestly, I was a little hesitant on it at first. But this is a good opportunity for me to try to elevate my game and be recognized with a lot of great people. It’s a lot of pressure, but that’s what I want.” That performance helped make him Pittsburgh’s third-round pick. Under new head coach Mike McCarthy, Wilson faces heightened pressure. Injuries sidelined him as a rookie with zero catches, and in 2025 he managed just 12 receptions for 166 yards and two touchdowns. Veterans Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Adam Thielen overtook him on the depth chart amid struggles syncing with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, leaving him inactive for Week 18 and the Wild Card game. Rodgers is likely to return in 2026, potentially boosting their chemistry, but Wilson projects as the No. 4 wideout behind DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr., and rookie Germie Bernard. With thin depth, his roster spot is not assured, compounded by limited special teams value compared to Ben Skowronek.
