The Pittsburgh Steelers selected wide receiver Calvin Austin III in the fourth round, 138th overall, of the 2022 NFL Draft. Known for his exceptional speed and playmaking promise from his time at Memphis, Austin entered the team amid significant excitement. Fans and analysts viewed Austin as a valuable addition, especially given his draft position. However, his rookie year was derailed by a foot injury that sidelined him for the entire 2022 season, preventing him from making an immediate impact on the field.
Progress and Growth in the Following Seasons
Returning healthy in 2023, Austin showed determination to validate the Steelers’ faith. Throughout that season, he made several impactful plays displaying his speed and adaptability. Support grew among fans, who saw potential in him as both a slot receiver and a return specialist. By the 2024 season, Austin had earned greater trust from the Steelers’ coaching staff and secured a more consistent role in the offense and special teams units.
The 2025 season was particularly critical for Austin, as it marked the final year of his rookie contract. The Steelers’ fan base closely watched whether the new head coach, Mike McCarthy, would retain Austin beyond 2025. His future depended largely on how his past performance, versatility, and market interest aligned with the team’s plans and salary cap considerations.
Uncertainty Surrounding Austin’s Role Under New Leadership
Recently, Steelers insider Brian Batko spoke during a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette discussion, providing insights about Austin’s situation. Batko highlighted that, despite Austin’s talents, the Steelers’ offense under former head coach Mike Tomlin may not have fully leveraged his abilities. Batko commented,
“Calvin Austin struck me as a great pick at the time, provided the offense would have a creative plan for how to use him. And I’m not sure the Steelers always, or often, did.”
This suggests Austin’s potential was somewhat hindered by a lack of imaginative offensive schemes tailored to his strengths.
Batko further remarked,
“I wouldn’t put it as they need to find one, but for the right price, that would give you a good buffer going into the draft,”
referring to the team’s ongoing evaluation of wide receivers. This statement reflects the broader uncertainty about the depth and effectiveness of the Steelers’ receiving corps.
The State of the Steelers’ Wide Receiver Group
The Steelers’ wide receiver room remains an area of concern. Although DK Metcalf is a standout player, his 2025 season was inconsistent, as he struggled to consistently separate from defenders and produce game-changing plays. Roman Wilson, another receiver on the roster, has had limited playing opportunities over his first two seasons, leaving questions about depth and reliability at the position.
If McCarthy aims to build a more potent offense, especially regardless of whether quarterback Aaron Rodgers returns, addressing the wide receiver group will be crucial. How McCarthy’s regime evaluates Austin’s role and negotiates his contract will be important indicators of the team’s direction for their receiving options.
Did the Steelers Adequately Support Austin’s Development?
One of the more revealing aspects of Batko’s analysis was the implication that the Steelers’ coaching staff, particularly under Tomlin, did not consistently implement creative strategies to maximize Austin’s skill set. This criticism extends to former offensive coordinators Matt Canada and Arthur Smith, suggesting the offensive system may have been ill-suited for Austin’s style of play despite his evident potential.
This lack of strategic utilization may have contributed to Austin not fully realizing his promise within the Steelers’ offense. The coaching environment’s influence on a player’s development is significant, and the questionable fit between Austin’s abilities and the offensive schemes potentially limited his effectiveness.
Looking Ahead: Austin’s Future with the Steelers
As Austin’s rookie contract nears its conclusion, the Steelers face important decisions. Retaining him could provide valuable depth and versatility to an inconsistent wide receiver group. However, if contract negotiations falter or the new coaching staff pursues different options, Austin may depart in free agency, deepening the team’s challenges at receiver.
Given his flashes of playmaking ability and the trust he has earned, many fans remain hopeful he will continue contributing to Pittsburgh’s offense and special teams. Still, the transition from Mike Tomlin’s era to Mike McCarthy’s leadership introduces uncertainty about how Austin’s talents will be harnessed going forward.
