The Pittsburgh Steelers need a wide receiver after trading George Pickens. However, at this point in the offseason, it will be tough for the Steelers to poach anyone in the trade market until much later, though there are free-agent options.
Yet, could part of the answer already exist on the Steelers’ roster? Calvin Austin III is entering the fourth year of his career with the Steelers and had a breakout season in 2024. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated says many people in Pittsburgh are high on Austin.
“While we’re there, the Steelers think more highly of Calvin Austin III than people realize. He’d be a name to watch with Pickens gone.” Breer wrote.
Austin set career-highs in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns in his third year and his first true year as a starting wide receiver. Austin has proven himself capable as a downfield speed threat with Russell Wilson.
In addition to that, Austin became one of the NFL’s best punt returners. He had 28 returns for 289 yards and one touchdown. Austin posted four touchdowns and 548 receiving yards as a receiver on 36 receptions. He averaged 15.2 yards per reception as a downfield threat.
The positive signs are all there for Austin, who played the best football of his NFL career. He heads into the last year of his rookie contract in 2025, looking to take a step up in his game last year. With Pickens gone, Austin now has a chance to do just that.