Vince Williams believes Payton Wilson has the makings of a long-term answer for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he has gone as far as urging the team to extend him. The former Steeler said Wilson could become "that dude" and argued that Pittsburgh should build around the 2024 third-round pick with the right kind of partner next to him.
That matters because the Steelers have not found consistent production from inside linebacker over the past couple of years. Patrick Queen has had good moments and bad moments in Pittsburgh, while Wilson's development has made him a more obvious candidate to become part of the long-term plan.
Williams sees a ceiling worth betting on
Williams did not sound tentative about Wilson's future. His view was that the linebacker has already shown enough to justify a bigger commitment from the Steelers, particularly if he is paired with someone who can handle the heavy work in run support.
"I don’t know, I think he probably could be that," Williams said. "I think they should extend Payton and complement him next to somebody like a [Robert] Spillane, or a [Elandon] Roberts, or a second-tier… And I think Payton would pair well with that type of guy… I think Payton can be that dude, that plays 100-percent of the snaps. If you put him next to a guy that can absorb that downhill contact."
That is the heart of the argument. Williams is not suggesting Wilson has to do everything himself. He is saying Wilson has the speed and range to be the every-down piece, provided Pittsburgh puts the right body next to him to handle the more physical work.
Why the Steelers should be encouraged
The case for Wilson is not just based on projection. In his second season, he has already produced 55 tackles and improved in coverage. This year, he has allowed 22 completions on 35 targets for 198 yards, with no scores allowed and a 78.0 passer rating against him.
That is a clear step forward from last year, when he allowed completions on 41 of 45 targets and a 104.7 passer rating when targeted. The numbers suggest a player who is learning quickly and becoming harder to attack.
He has also missed eight tackles, which is a reminder that there is still room to grow. But for a young linebacker still settling into the league, the overall trend is in the right direction.
The extension question is coming soon
The timing adds another layer to the discussion. Wilson still has one year left before Pittsburgh will have to decide whether to give him a contract extension after 2026.
For now, the Steelers do not need to rush. But Williams' comments show that there is already a growing belief that Wilson can become a central figure in the defense, not just a useful piece.
If Pittsburgh does move on from Queen after this season, as Williams expects, the fit alongside a more run-supporting linebacker becomes even more important. That could shape how the Steelers view Wilson's role, and how quickly they move to secure him for the future.
The bigger point is simple: Wilson has given the Steelers a reason to think long term. Williams has merely said out loud what the early signs are starting to suggest.
