Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III wants to return to the team who drafted him, but the Memphis product understands the business of the NFL.
Austin was drafted by the Steelers in the 2022 NFL Draft, and after two seasons as a mainstay in the wide receiver rotation, Austin now gets the chance to hit free agency. Injuries and his size have held Austin back from taking a leap into being a true starting wide receiver.
Now with the possibility of being a free agent, Austin wants to return to the Steelers, but knows there is always the chance the team does not want him after an offseason of turnover.
“Pittsburgh, just being real, they may not want me, or they may have a different vision,” Austin said on 92.9 FM “And that’s why I say at the end of the day, it’s just a straight bussiness decision. Obviously Coach T. did step down. Whether I stay or leave, it’s gonna be a new situation regardless. Even if I stay, we have a whole new staff so it’s definitely something I’m excited about and been praying over.”
Austin suffered shoulder injury and hamstring injuries that limited him to 14 games in 2025. Overall, Austin had 31 receptions for 372 yards and three touchdowns. His 2024 season was the best season of his career, positing 548 receiving yards across 17 games.
He missed his entire rookie season with a lisfranc injury. In addition to being a receiver, Austin has emerged as a dynamic punt returner for the Steelers.