PITTSBURGH — Roman Wilson left the Steelers' first padded practice last year on a cart, the first detour during a frustrating rookie season.

Now, it seems there could be a parade in his honor outside UPMC Rooney Sports Complex or Acrisure Stadium due to how the wide receiver has looked and what he's done throughout the preseason.

It's been very impressive.

But the truth — on a few levels here — should stay in the middle.

The first order of business, coach Mike Tomlin seemed to say late Saturday, involves perspective and remembering we're talking about four catches on six targets during small snippets of two exhibition games.

Little different than the regular season, playoffs or repeating success year after year.

"Feel good about the overall trajectory of [Wilson]," Tomlin said. "We have another game in a couple more weeks, and that time is critical for a young guy. He has to keep his foot on the gas and keep working."

So do Steelers decision-makers. Because as encouraging as Wilson has been, it's not enough.

The Steelers must add a better second wide receiver option before Week 1 — and differently than Mike Williams, deploying a new guy in an appropriate and regular way.

It's certainly nothing against Wilson, who's held up his end of the bargain and then some.

His route-running has been crisp. Watching practices in Latrobe, it's clear how much he cares and how much he's been trying to learn from Aaron Rodgers. The physical talent has been even better, Wilson winning one-on-one battles and finding holes in the defense.

I especially loved the speed he flashed by outrunning Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean for a 42-yard gain Saturday, the stuff that helped Wilson clock a 4.39-second 40-yard dash coming out of Michigan.

"I'm just trying to be consistent, do what I do and lock in on ball," Wilson said Saturday, again downplaying his strong preseason.

Wilson can move and may ultimately become Pittsburgh's No. 2 wide receiver opposite DK Metcalf. It would be the best possible outcome here.

However, I'm not ready to end the search after four preseason catches, especially with how limited Calvin Austin III has been and what little exists behind those guys.

Yes, in a perfect world, Wilson and Austin become interchangeable, playing outside and in the slot. There's speed. They create separation. Rodgers makes both better, and the Steelers strike the perfect balance at tight end with Jonnu Smith, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward.

There's also a familiar refrain about best-laid plans or too much starting pitching.

Which is why the Steelers should be encouraged by what Wilson's done — fulfilling his considerable draft hype — but also remain objective when it comes to building a stronger, deeper roster.

Especially when you consider the urgency that has framed their offseason.

Are they suddenly going to get passive or be afraid to make a big, potentially controversial move now?

Let's hope not because there's an intriguing solution here, one carrying minimal risk and an opportunity the Steelers seem to be at least casually exploring: three-time Pro Bowler Odell Beckham Jr.

Crazy? Perhaps. But since when has that mattered with the Steelers?

Beckham was on the "Club Random Podcast" with Bill Maher earlier this summer and said he's had conversations with Rodgers, refusing to rule out the possibility of signing here.

Beckham also said he loved Tomlin and was supposed to be drafted by the Steelers, hinting that Pittsburgh would be on his very short list of potential destinations.

Maybe Beckham, who's not exactly known for being boring, was trying to stir the pot. Maybe he wants too much money for someone who hasn't been good lately; Beckham hasn't had more than 600 receiving yards since 2019 and has just 111 catches (on 207 targets) in 44 games since 2020.

There might be better options, which is precisely my point — don't settle or let this offseason's never-ending drama drip stop now. Finish the job.

If that's Beckham, cool. Maybe thoughts on Allen Lazard (sidelined with a shoulder injury) have shifted, the same for Gabe Davis (who visited Pittsburgh and left without a contract) or other available vets.

But the organization's over-arching thinking must remain consistent.

They stuck it out with Rodgers ... and now that actually looks reasonably smart. But it's a waste if Rodgers must regularly count on Ben Skowronek, Scotty Miller, Robert Woods or Brandon Johnson.

And if what we're seeing from Wilson is real, even better. It'll only make the entire offense better and deeper.

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