Payton Wilson: Everything you need to know

Wilson recorded 126 tackles (74 solo), including two sacks, along Sith an interception, two pass defenses and a fumble recovery while appearing in all 17 regular-season games in 2025. Wilson showed promise as a rookie in 2024 with 78 tackles (49 solo), an interception, two pass defenses, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and a touchdown, and he took a step forward in his second professional season by leading the Steelers in tackles. He had four games with double-digit tackles and should remain heavily involved in the playoffs and during the 2026 campaign.

Wilson logged five tackles (three solo) during the Steelers' 13-6 loss to the Browns on Sunday. Wilson played just 23 of 52 defensive snaps (44.2 percent) during Sunday's loss, but he still managed to finish tied for the second-most tackles on the Steelers behind Kyle Dugger (eight). Wilson is up to 123 combined tackles through 16 regular-season games, which leads the Steelers and is tied with Zack Baun for 17th most in the NFL.

Wilson finished Sunday's 27-22 win over the Ravens with six tackles (four solo). Wilson's 32 defensive snaps were his lowest of the regular season, but the second-year linebacker was still productive and finished tied with T.J. Watt for the fourth-most tackles on the Steelers. Wilson is having a strong 2025 season, and he could see an uptick in defensive snaps this Sunday against the Dolphins if Malik Harrison remains in the league's concussion protocol.