The Pittsburgh Steelers are still bringing together their team, as they recently brought in All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith. Both players will have an immediate impact in their respective positions, but there is still a glaring hole on the team.
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DK Metcalf was brought in to take over as the premier receiver, especially after the Steelers lost George Pickens in free agency. However, there is no clear-cut WR2 that can line up alongside Metcalf.
Despite the worry that the Steelers may need to sign another proven veteran, one surprise minicamp and OTA star may be the answer the team is looking for.
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A new report on the biggest minicamp surprises from ESPN identifies which players have been making head turns, and the Steelers have a clear favorite. That favorite is upcoming third-year veteran Calvin Austin III.
“Since trading George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, the Steelers are squarely in need of a No. 2 wide receiver to complement DK Metcalf. 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.
“Selected 86 picks after Pickens in 2022, Austin missed his entire rookie year with an injury but has turned into a steady contributor in each of his last two seasons. Austin was just behind Pickens last season, averaging 15.2 yards per reception, and he hauled in four touchdowns to Pickens’ three. Austin still has to build chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but he made plays throughout the Steelers’ OTAs and minicamp with Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson and Will Howard throwing him the football,” Brook Pryor writes.
Austin was drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and did not impress in his first season playing in 2023. He secured 180 yards and one touchdown.
Austin may have missed the 2022 season due to injury and was trying to make it back in 2023, but he emerged in a big way in 2024. He secured 548 yards and four touchdowns, increasing his production by a significant margin.
As Pryor writes, Austin still has to figure out his chemistry with Aaron Rodgers, but he was already making plays with Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and Will Howard in minicamp and OTAs.
Rodgers is a consummate pro, and he might be able to unlock the next level of Austin’s game. With Pickens gone, a new receiver needs to emerge as the next best target alongside Metcalf. As it stands right now, Austin can be that target.
Austin had the second-most touchdowns on the team in 2024, and he could be the young dynamic playmaker that Rodgers looks for downfield.
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