Many people believe that the Pittsburgh Steelers are lacking depth in the wide receiver room. Pittsburgh had a busy 2025 offseason at the position, as the team traded away George Pickens and acquired superstar receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks. The Steelers should be expecting for Calvin Austin lll to have a big year with the young playmaker entering the final season of his rookie contract.
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Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Austin has continued to flash his potential over his two seasons in the NFL, but his rookie campaign was lost due to injury, so he is technically set to embark on his fourth professional year in 2025.
The receiver was credited with 548 yards and four touchdowns in 2024, but having Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback could almost instantly add a boost to Austin's production. Austin suffered an oblique injury during the Steelers' Friday Night Lights practice but has recently been seen on the field and practicing with the team once again.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Austin took a moment to speak to the media about his injury as well, and the promising receiver said that he feels like he hasn't missed a beat, despite not being on the field.
"Since this happened in camp, my process was the exact same as everybody else." Austin stated. "I was in all the meetings, walkthroughs, everything. So I really didn't miss a step mentally or anything."
Austin then continued to talk about his conditioning, as he feels that could be the only part of his game that has taken a hit with the injury.
"Probably the only thing that I'm far back in, if I'm being realistic, is just my conditioning. But besides that, everything goes pretty smooth."
This will be the most important season of Austin's young career, and starting it off out of shape is not ideal. The former Memphis Tiger will have to prove himself all season and with Metcalf getting a generous amount of attention from opposing defenses, Austin could find himself playing a key role. Both Metcalf and Austin will benefit from playing with Rodgers, as the Steelers will begin the season with one of the most underrated offensive units in all of football.
Metcalf's first season in Pittsburgh will almost certainly be an extremely busy one. The star receiver solidified himself as the Steelers' top playmaking option the moment he got to the Steel City. The wideout signed a four-year, $132 million deal directly after the trade, as the veteran will now be in Pittsburgh for the foreseeable future.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers' DK Metcalf during the team's 2025 minicamp.
Steelers' Calvin Austin lll Set To Have A Career Year In 2025
Austin is a very talented receiver that many feel is underrated. The 26-year-old pass-catcher is playing alongside an elite veteran who will keep defenses extremely busy, and Austin may very well find himself much more open then he has been during the first few years of his career. Rodgers' presence will play a key role in Austin's success throughout the year as well, as the four-time MVP and future Hall Of Fame quarterback will be looking to get the ball in Austin's hands on a regular basis.
The former Memphis walk-on will benefit from playing alongside Metcalf as well. Metcalf is a six year veteran who could be an excellent mentor for the young receiver to have. Metcalf has thrived throughout every stage of his career and finds himself tied for seventh all-time for the most touchdowns in Seahawks' history. Austin could shine playing on the same offensive unit as Metcalf and Rodgers and the rising star will need to have a big year prior to free agency next offseason.
Austin is set to play at a high level in 2025. This year will be the most crucial season of his career, and Austin is in perfect position to play a big role on Arthur Smith's offense. Austin's injury update is a promising sign as well, as the rising star will continue getting healthy in hopes of being available Week 1. One thing to monitor, however, will be his conditioning, which he has already admitted that it isn't where it needs to be.
Do you think Austin will have a breakout season this year? Let us know what you think in the comments down below!
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