41Payton Wilson
RILB · 3rd season
YR 3
Current depth chart
RILB1StarterYR 3
Depth relationships
RILB141Payton WilsonSELECTED
RILB255Cole Holcomb→Bio
Payton Wilson is a right inside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers entering his third NFL season. The 6'4", 235-pound N.C. State product was selected 98th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Through two seasons (2024–25), Wilson has appeared in 34 regular-season games with eight starts, accumulating 181 tackles (109 solo), 2.0 sacks, two interceptions, and four passes defensed. In 2025, he played all 17 games with four starts, posting 109 tackles (62 solo), 2.0 sacks, one interception, and two passes defensed, while his 12 solo special teams tackles tied for third in the NFL.
Payton Wilson played 18 games in 2025 with a 62% share of defensive snaps.
Player information
Height6'4"Weight242 lbHometownHillsborough, NCAge26CollegeN.C. StateDraftedRound 3 · #98 overall · 2024 · PITExperience2 NFL seasons
Contract
$1.4Mper year · AAV
Years 4Guaranteed $890KCap 0.5%
T-94 of 278 · LB market by AAV
Production · 2025
Defense
125
TACKLES
6
TFL
2
SACKS
1
INT
2
PBU
Career path
N.C. STATE2018 – 2023
STEELERS2024 — present
Drafted · Round 3 · Pick 98