Report: Steelers Continuing To Monitor 1 Wide Receiver's Market As Free Agency Officially Opens

Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan and new head coach Mike McCarthy certainly still have a ton of important decisions to make. One that many Steelers fans are eager to learn is the future of wide receiver Calvin Austin III. After a slow start due to injuries, the former fourth-round draft pick began to gain momentum as a reliable playmaker when given the opportunity. His ability to make big plays in critical moments has quickly made him a favorite among teammates and fans alike.

Austin finished the 2025 season with 31 catches for 372 receiving yards and three touchdowns. While those numbers may not jump off the page, his reliability and knack for creating separation when targeted made him an important piece of the Steelers’ offense. Now, as he tests the market to see what he could earn, teams across the league will weigh both his production and his potential for growth. For Pittsburgh, the calculus is simple: they want Austin back, but only if the price aligns with his contributions and the team’s salary cap strategy.

Steelers insider Jeff Hathhorn revealed on 93.7 The Fan why he believes every minute that passes actually makes it more likely that Austin will remain in Pittsburgh for 2026 and beyond. According to Hathhorn, the combination of the team’s familiarity with Austin, McCarthy’s offensive system, and the timing of free agency could all work in Pittsburgh’s favor. For fans, the hope is that this rising playmaker will continue to develop with the team that drafted him, becoming a cornerstone of the offense for years to come. 

"Austin does have an opportunity to come back, yes," Hathhorn said while speaking on 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday. "He wants to explore to see what his number is. The fact that we haven’t seen his contract assigned to his name. I think with each hour that passes, the opportunity to come back to Pittsburgh grows."

The Steelers did improve their wide receiver room when they traded with the Indianapolis Colts to land Michael Pittman Jr. Pittman and DK Metcalf should form a complementary one-two punch for the most part, giving Pittsburgh a solid outside threat duo. That makes the future of Austin even more interesting. 

If the Steelers decide to do business with Austin and keep him in the Steel City, he would naturally fill the slot and WR3 role, giving the team both depth and flexibility. His presence would also create competition for the rookies the Steelers are expected to draft, which could accelerate their development while keeping veterans sharp.

Steelers Fans Know All Too Well What Life Is Like Trusting A Rookie WR

Steelers fans have seen with players like Roman Wilson that trusting a rookie to come in and produce right away can be unpredictable. Even highly touted draft picks often need time to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL game, especially in a system with a new head coach and evolving offensive scheme. 

Austin, on the other hand, has already shown he can contribute consistently when given the opportunity. His route-running, field awareness, and ability to make plays in clutch situations make him a valuable asset, particularly in the slot.

That is why many believe Austin should get a new deal to remain in Pittsburgh. He provides stability, experience, and production in a wide receiver room that has undergone significant change. Keeping Austin alongside Pittman and Metcalf would give the Steelers a balanced and versatile trio capable of stretching the field and creating mismatches. All eyes will turn to Khan and McCarthy as the new league year continues on.

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