Calvin Austin III’s Time in Pittsburgh Could Be Running Out - Here’s Why
Roster turnover is just part of life in the NFL, and no team knows that better than the Pittsburgh Steelers. After a busy 2025 offseason that saw plenty of change, it looks like 2026 could bring more of the same-especially at wide receiver.
And one name that could be on the way out? Calvin Austin III.
Let’s rewind a bit. Austin, a 2022 fourth-round pick, finally got his shot this season.
After spending the early part of his career buried behind underwhelming veterans like Allen Robinson II, Mike Williams, and Van Jefferson, he entered the 2025 campaign with a real opportunity. He had a strong summer, earned the WR2 role, and was in position to make a leap.
But when the lights came on, the results didn’t follow.
Austin showed flashes-his speed and big-play potential are still very real-but consistency was a major issue. In a Steelers passing game that struggled to find rhythm all season, Austin wasn’t able to provide the steady presence the offense needed. Add in some injury setbacks, and the year turned into a missed opportunity for the young receiver.
And now, with his contract set to expire after the 2025 season, the writing might be on the wall.
The Opportunity Was There - But Austin Didn’t Capitalize
Austin’s path to this point hasn’t been easy. He lost his entire rookie season to a foot injury that required surgery, and it wasn’t until 2024 that he really started to show signs of life. That year offered a glimpse of what he could bring to the offense-explosiveness, speed, and the ability to stretch the field.
But in 2025, when he was asked to step into a bigger role, the inconsistencies resurfaced. He had trouble tracking the ball, struggled with drops in key moments, and simply didn’t earn the trust of his quarterbacks. At 5'7 ¾" and 170 pounds, Austin needs precision from his passers to be effective, and that kind of margin for error just isn’t sustainable in a league that demands reliability.
Steelers Have Options - And They’re Likely to Use Them
Here’s where things get tricky for Austin: the Steelers are projected to have a dozen draft picks in 2026. That’s a lot of ammunition, and with wide receiver still a glaring need, it’s hard to imagine they won’t use a few of those picks to reload at the position.
Add in the fact that Austin will be an unrestricted free agent after the season, and the odds of a return start to shrink. Sure, he’s a capable punt returner, and that could keep the door slightly ajar. But based on how the 2025 season played out, it’s tough to see Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin prioritizing a contract extension for a receiver who hasn’t proven he can consistently deliver.
Roman Wilson Could Be Next in Line
If there’s a silver lining for the Steelers, it’s that they might already have Austin’s replacement in-house. Roman Wilson, a third-round pick from the 2024 draft, has been waiting in the wings.
Much like Austin did this past offseason, Wilson could be poised for a breakout opportunity in his third year. And if Pittsburgh decides to move on from Austin, Wilson could step into that WR2/WR3 role and bring a different kind of energy to the offense.
Looking ahead, the 2026 wide receiver room is likely to look very different. DK Metcalf will be back as the clear-cut No. 1, and the rest of the depth chart could be filled out with a mix of draft picks and free agents. The Steelers haven’t had much luck at the position in recent years, and they know they need to get it right this time.
The Bottom Line
Calvin Austin III had his chance-and while there were moments, the overall body of work just wasn’t enough. With his rookie deal expiring and a deep draft class on the horizon, the Steelers appear ready to retool their receiver group once again.
Austin’s speed and return ability could earn him a look elsewhere, or even a short-term deal to compete for a roster spot in Pittsburgh. But as things stand now, the team is likely to move forward without him in a featured role.
The NFL doesn’t wait for anyone. And in Pittsburgh, the clock might be ticking on Calvin Austin’s time in black and gold.