**PITTSBURGH --** [Pittsburgh Steelers](https://www.pennlive.com/steelers/) wide receiver [Calvin Austin III](https://www.pennlive.com/steelers/2025/05/insider-reveals-timeline-for-pittsburgh-steelers-new-add-at-wide-receiver.html) says he has no idea if the team plans to extend him this offseason. Austin, who right now projects as the team’s WR2, is heading into the final year of his rookie contract.
“I have no clue of that. Since I was a walk-on at Memphis, my mindset going into any season has been work,” Austin said. “I’m always chasing the goal of being the best form of me that I can be. So I haven’t even thought about that.”
Austin says the Steelers have trained all of their wide receivers to play all the spots in the offense, and he has worked as much on the outside as he has in the slot. 73 percent of his production came from the slot in 2024.
“Coach (Zach Azzanni) has us training at every spot,” Austin said. “So, you know we had some injuries last year, and I played outside some more. But we can play all over the place.”
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.