The Pittsburgh Steelers have been trying to figure out the wide receiver position for years, and it looked like the organization finally took a step forward going into the 2025. The team had acquired DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks, but soon after traded away George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. A large portion of the fan base was upset by the move, but the team can still improve the position ahead of the 2025 season. Pittsburgh also has Calvin Austin III, who took a good step in the right direction during the 2024 season.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers receiver Calvin Austin III tries to escape a tackle against the Las Vegas Raiders during Week 3 in 2023.
Austin is undersized, but he makes up for his lack of size with his speed. He is always a big play threat, whether that be on offense or in the return game on special teams. He is the definition of a playmaker, and his played has improved over the last two season after missing his entire rookie season due to an injury. The speedster has also been a great teammate, as he has consistently defended his teammates over the last two years.
The wide receiver is now entering his fourth season, which is the final year of his rookie contract. As of now, he will become an unrestricted free agent during the 2026 offseason, unless an extension is reached in Pittsburgh.
An extension would probably come closer to the start of the season, as both Cam Heyward and Pat Freiermuth signed their extensions close to the regular season opener in 2024. It is well known that the Steelers do not conduct contractual business during the regular season, so an extension would have to be done by Week 1 of the 2025 season.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Calvin Austin III works out in Pittsburgh during the 2025 offseason.
Austin's jump from year one to year two is hard to ignore. The wide receiver recorded just 17 receptions for 180 yards and one touchdown during the 2023 season, but in 2024 he caught 36 passes for 548 yards and four touchdowns. He also made an impact on special teams by returning a punt for a touchdown. His ability to contribute in two phases of the game is something the organization typically loves, which should lead to a second contract in Pittsburgh.
The franchise could wait to figure something out for the future with Austin. If an extension does not get done prior to the season beginning, Pittsburgh can try to reach agreement with the wide receiver before free agency opens up during the 2026 offseason.
However, this is a bit risky for Pittsburgh as Austin could command more money with a successful 2026 season. There is a chance he is a large part of the offense if the Steelers do not add to the wide receiver room, which could lead to more production and a higher market value.
The wide receiver is making just over $1.2 million for the 2025 season, and his current market value sits around $5 million. This would not be a ton for the organization to spend, and a three-year deal worth $14-15 million sounds reasonable for what Austin has been able to do so far in his NFL career. A deal like that would keep him in Pittsburgh through the 2028 season.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Roman Wilson works out in Pittsburgh during voluntary offseason training in 2025.
Steelers Could Have Other Options Outside Of Calvin Austin III
A large part of Austin's future and a potential extension relies upon whether or not Pittsburgh brings in another starting-caliber receiver ahead of the 2025 season. Another receiver could make Austin's less valuable if he is signed for multiple years, and that receiver could eat into Austin's production for the 2025 season. Another factor to consider is second-year player Roman Wilson, who missed the majority of his rookie year in 2024. If he shows promising signs the organization could decide it does not need Austin.
Pittsburgh also is slated to have 12 draft pick in 2026, and some of those selections could be used on wide receivers. If the organization is confident in its ability to draft wide outs, then there might not be any reason to extend Austin.
What do you think about Pittsburgh extending Austin? Let us know in the comments below!
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