Coming off a disappointing end to the 2024-25 campaign, the Pittsburgh Steelers are set on righting their wrongs on the offensive side of the football. Adding a star wide receiver like DK Metcalf is a great way to build momentum, but someone else will need to step up alongside him.
Could the solution to this problem already be on the roster? That buzz is building as July kicks off. In a story for ESPN, reporter Brooke Pryor cast some positive light on wideout Calvin Austin III. Citing him as Pittsburgh’s “biggest surprise” player, Pryor referenced receivers coach Zach Azzanni being fond of the 2022 fourth-round pick.
“Since trading George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, the Steelers are squarely in need of a No. 2 wide receiver to complement DK Metcalf,” Pryor wrote on June 30. “WR coach Zach Azzanni, though, believes they already have someone in the building to fill that role. ‘I think that ‘2’ spot is all Calvin’s right now,’ Azzanni said during the Steelers’ minicamp.”
Calvin Austin III Turning Heads With Offseason Performance
Austin, a Memphis product who posted a Relative Athletic Score of over 9 during the pre-draft process, is still trying to find a high-level role. On one hand, he’s an explosive playmaker with the ability to soar for passes or flat-out beat defenders in a footrace. His short and long-area quickness are both legitimate.
On the other hand, Austin’s size holds him back. He’s listed on the Steelers’ official team website as 5-foot-9 and 162 pounds, which is simultaneously better (just under 5-foot-8) and worse (170 pounds) than his measurements from 2022. Despite that, the 26-year-old appears to be making the most of the final offseason on his rookie contract.
Just ask Azzanni. Not only did he previously acknowledge Austin’s inside track for the No. 2 wideout gig, but he also praised his blend of separation, effort in the run game and overall leadership in June.
How Does Austin Fit Into Steelers’ Assortment of Skill Position Players?
With Metcalf being swapped for Pickens, the proverbial top dog in the pecking order remains the same. The wide receiver hierarchy truly begins after him, leaving Austin in a battle with some other talented players. Given his familiarity with and experience on the team, he should keep having a leg up. Just a season ago, Austin’s totals for targets (58), receptions (36), receiving yards (548) and touchdowns (4) were either first or second among all Steeler wideouts.
The true deciding factor could be where Pittsburgh wants to line up its players. Austin’s first real dose of NFL action in 2023 saw him align out wide 58.4% of the time, according to Pro Football Focus. Last year, that figure fell to 37.4%. His archetype is undoubtedly that of a traditional slot piece, although so is Roman Wilson‘s. Wilson is another small receiver (5-foot-10, 185 pounds).
Last, but potentially not least, among those with realistic WR2 chances is Robert Woods. The 33-year-old veteran had his worst season to date in 2024, when he hauled in just 20 passes for 203 yards and no scores with the Houston Texans. His 361 offensive snaps played also marked a personal low. It’s hard to count Woods out, however. The Steelers’ trade for tight end Jonnu Smith makes for another mouth to feed, too.
A lot can change between now and the start of the regular season. One thing seems clear entering training camp, though: Austin is turning heads.
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