The Pittsburgh Steelers could look to re-sign wide receiver Calvin Austin III, Steelers insider Gerry Dulac said.
Austin, who emerged as the team’s second wide receiver alongside George Pickens a year ago, will have another chance this year and could earn a long-term deal for the right price.
Dulac says there is a ‘modest chance’ that Austin will receive an extension at some point before next year’s free agency period. The team seems interested in doing business with him.
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, and land a lucrative contract.