Steelers Could Still Give A Surprising Extension Prior To The 2025 Regular Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been busy this offseason, making a bunch of big moves that have given the roster a completely fresh look. With several new additions, fans are buzzing with excitement over the potential this roster now holds. New faces naturally bring a renewed sense of energy, optimism, and anticipation for the upcoming season. However, with all the hype surrounding these players, it seems that one player who was already on the Steelers' roster may not be getting the attention he deserves.

Insider Mark Kaboly recently appeared on 93.7 The Fan, where he covered a range of Steelers related topics. When the conversation turned to the highly discussed wide receiver corps, Kaboly mentioned the possibility that one of the receivers could receive a contract extension before the regular season kicks off, at least depending on their performance for the remainder of the offseason. While this may catch some fans off guard, it aligns with the growing discussions surrounding wide receiver Calvin Austin III, whose hype continues to rise as the offseason progresses.

"This could be a late, late, late add of an extension here too if he comes down to September or whenever and they’re looking like, 'Okay, this guy is the guy,'" Kaboly said. "I mean, he’s not going to cost you much. What you looking at, $10 million per season? I mean that’s chump change in the league now." 

Austin was selected by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but due to injuries and limited opportunities, he hasn't yet had the chance to fully showcase his abilities on the field. Despite the quiet start to his career, Austin has consistently shown the potential and work ethic that suggest he could be a key piece of the offense. Now, with a clearer path to playing time and growing confidence from the coaching staff, this season presents a golden opportunity for Austin to step up and make a significant impact in the Steelers’ offense -- especially after a promising 2024 season.

The Steelers made a major change earlier this offseason by adding DK Metcalf to their receiving corps. However, with the departure of George Pickens, the team once again finds itself in a pursuit for a strong second wide receiver. This opens the door for Austin to step up and potentially secure that role. In fact, earlier this offseason, Wide Receivers Coach Zach Azzanni even named Austin as the team’s wide receiver two (WR2) heading into the 2025 season, despite ongoing speculation about the Steelers pursuing another addition at the position.

The Steelers have been connected to several available wide receivers throughout the offseason, but none of those moves have actually happened. This confirms the confidence the organization has in Austin. After spending time developing within the system, Austin now has the opportunity to break out and become a key weapon for newly acquired veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Reports have suggested that Austin's playing style could complement Rodgers perfectly. Rodgers himself has recently shared some positive comments about Austin, which has only added to the growing excitement around their potential connection. Even though this is expected to be Rodgers’ final season, the experience and mentorship he can offer Austin could have a lasting impact on his career for years to come.

The Steelers Could Benefit Greatly From Not Waiting

Locking in Austin sooner rather than later could make solid financial sense for the Steelers. While it might seem safer to wait and see how he performs, signing him early could help the team avoid the risk of overpaying if the market continues to inflate. With wide receiver salaries increasing rapidly across the league, securing a player with high potential for around $10 million per season would be a smart investment. It would also allow the Steelers to allocate remaining cap space toward strengthening other key areas of the roster for the future.

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