While his career got off to a slow start, Calvin Austin III has been trending in the right direction since the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted him in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Austin missed the entire 2022 campaign with a foot injury, delaying his development. Despite playing all 17 games as a rookie in 2023, his production was underwhelming and his impact was limited. He finished with just 17 catches on 30 targets for 180 receiving yards and a touchdown, plus 57 rushing yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.
Austin took a nice step forward in 2024, tallying 36 catches on 58 targets for 548 receiving yards and four touchdowns across 17 games. He emerged as a legitimate weapon in the Steelers’ passing attack, finishing third on the team in receiving yards behind George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth.
Heading into 2025, Pittsburgh hoped Austin could establish himself as the team’s WR2 behind DK Metcalf. So far, so good on that front.
Austin erupted for 70 receiving yards and a touchdown in his season debut, catching four of six targets and showing immediate chemistry with Aaron Rodgers despite not playing any preseason snaps together. The 26-year-old hauled in an 18-yard touchdown pass from Rodgers in the fourth quarter, helping the Steelers come back to beat the New York Jets 34-32.
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According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, there’s “real excitement internally about (Austin’s) trajectory” in Pittsburgh following his monster start to the season.
After dealing with underwhelming quarterback play during his first two seasons, the third-year wideout may be ready to take off this season. He could be headed for a career year if Rodgers stays healthy and helps him find another level in the Steelers’ revamped offense.
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Featured image via Kevin R. Wexler/NorthJersey.com