Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson is making a fresh start for the 2026 season—and it starts with a new number on his back. The third-year pro, who previously wore No. 10, will now don No. 14, following the departure of running back Kenneth Gainwell, who sported that jersey last season.
Wilson's number switch mirrors a trend among Steelers teammates, echoing George Pickens' own jersey change earlier in his career. It's a symbolic move for a player looking to turn the page after a slow start to his NFL journey.
Drafted 84th overall in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Wilson hasn't yet lived up to Pittsburgh's reputation for finding hidden gems at wide receiver in the mid-to-late rounds. Through two seasons, he has caught just 12 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns—numbers that leave room for growth.
The No. 14 jersey has a short history in Pittsburgh, with Gainwell being the most recent wearer before Wilson. The full list of recent No. 14s includes Gainwell, along with a few others who had brief stints with the team.
Looking ahead, Wilson will compete for the WR3 role behind newly acquired stars DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman. He'll face stiff competition from second-round rookie Germie Bernard, setting up an intriguing offseason battle. However, a big question mark remains: who will be throwing passes to this revamped receiving corps in 2026?
For Steelers fans, this is just one of several roster moves to watch as the team reshapes its offense for the upcoming season. Whether Wilson's new number brings new fortune remains to be seen, but it's a clear sign he's ready for a fresh chapter.
