Calvin Austin could be option for Bucs
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Calvin Austin could be option for Bucs
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers now find themselves with a massive hole to fill at the wide receiver position. With the loss of Mike Evans, the Bucs now have to replace a franchise legend who had eleven straight seasons of 1,000 yard production. While there aren’t many receivers on the open market quite like Evans, they could look to the AFC North to find some receiver help.
According to several reports, Calvin Austin of the Pittsburgh Steelers could be a potential option to replace Mike Evans in the Bucs’ offense. He may not have the same production that Mike Evans has had, but he seems to be a case of untapped potential. The Bucs desperately need someone who can stretch the field in a way in which their younger weapons can develop around it.
A Potential Deep Threat for Tampa Bay
For Austin, he has averaged 22.9 yards per reception despite never eclipsing 600 yards in his NFL career. His best season as a pro came in 2024, his second season where he had 548 yards on 36 catches, averaging 15.2 yards per catch. With Mayfield under center, those numbers could go way up due to the more stable condition of the Bucs offense.
Still, with this becoming Chris Godwin’s team, Austin also won’t have to assume the pressure of becoming a go-to guy for Mayfield. He can end up becoming what Rashid Shaheed was for Seattle on their path to the Super Bowl: someone who can stretch the field vertically, and can make big plays elsewhere when needed.
Most importantly, it will give Baker Mayfield a chance to get his mojo back. In a year in which he disappointed all around, the blame could not be entirely place on him. In an offense where he lost both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin early in the year, he held the ship together before it all cam crumbling down when both came back and Mayfield seemed overwhelmed.
Why Austin Could Help Baker Mayfield Rebound
In order for the Bucs to get more out of Mayfield, they need to play into his strengths, which include throwing the deep ball with confidence. Calvin Austin almost definitely fits that bill despite the lack of production.
One can also assume the the Bucs will be looking for a bigger name, perhaps someone like Tyreek Hill or DeAndre Hopkins. However, Austin would be the much more cheaper option and while no guarantee of success, is still only entering his fourth year in the league. For a team that is skewing younger, perhaps overpaying for someone who is over the hill may not be the right path forward.
In this hectic offseason for the Bucs, while other positions need the Bucs’ full attention, not replacing Mike Evans could be detrimental for the offense next season. They simply need someone who can be a threat and allow the younger players a chance to succeed not just in the short term, but the long term future. Calvin Austin may not be the sexy choice, but he certainly could be someone who helps them more often than not next season.