The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2025 offseason with a clear theme: persistence and patience. After a frustrating 2024 campaign that ended in disappointment, concerns began to mount.
Doubts swirled around the front office’s direction. But rather than making panic moves, GM Omar Khan and the Steelers’ leadership stayed the course, carefully evaluating their roster and building a strategic plan.
The emergence of a homegrown talent, third-year receiver Calvin Austin III, during training camp is turning heads and validating the team’s offseason approach.
Austin, the speedy former fourth-round pick, is currently listed as WR2 on the Steelers’ depth chart just days before their preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
It’s an impressive promotion and a testament to his hard work, resilience, and growing chemistry within Arthur Smith’s offensive scheme.
Since 2023, Austin’s development has been steady. He’s recorded 728 receiving yards and five touchdowns over the past two seasons, with four of those scores coming during a quietly productive 2024.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are using Calvin Austin III perfectly in preparation for the 2025 campaign
While his size may have caused some analysts to overlook him, his speed and route-running ability have always been elite.
Still, few expected him to break into the starting lineup this soon.
The Steelers, however, were confident. Despite pressure from outside voices to bring in a veteran wide receiver this offseason, Pittsburgh remained firm. Their decision not to sign another pass catcher wasn’t about negligence — it was about trust.
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Trust in Austin’s growth and the developmental process. Now, that patience is paying off.
High-profile additions, such as quarterback Aaron Rodgers, wide receiver DK Metcalf, and cornerback Jalen Ramsey, have given Pittsburgh a stronger foundation.
With Aaron Rodgers commanding the offense and DK Metcalf drawing attention from opposing secondaries, Calvin Austin III is in a perfect position to shine. His ability to stretch the field and find space in Smith’s play-action-heavy system could lead to a breakout season.
For a franchise that prides itself on tradition and long-term vision, this summer's camp has been a vindication.
The Steelers stayed true to their identity, and Calvin Austin III is proving they were right to believe. The future of Pittsburgh’s offense is looking brighter — and faster — than ever.