In a new era of Pittsburgh Steelers football, change isn’t just inevitable—it’s already here. George Pickens is no longer wearing black and gold, and with that departure comes a massive opportunity for someone to rise from the shadows.
Especially Calvin Austin III.
Steelers wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni didn’t mince words when asked who he sees taking over that No. 2 wide receiver role.
“I think that [WR2] spot is all Calvin’s right now,” Azzanni said. “Really, him and DK [Metcalf] are such different players that there’s going to be plays that he is the one guy.”
That’s a bold claim, considering DK Metcalf, a Pro Bowl talent with size, speed, and a \$132 million contract to back it up, is now the face of Pittsburgh’s receiving corps. But Azzanni’s belief in Austin is more than just coach-speak.
It’s rooted in what he’s seen from the third-year receiver behind closed doors.
Austin isn’t the loudest player in the room. He’s not built like Metcalf and doesn’t have the college highlight reel that demands viral attention. But what he does have is heart—and a relentless drive to keep growing.
After a modest rookie season, Austin made a considerable leap in 2024, tallying 548 receiving yards and four touchdowns. For a player taken in the fourth round just a few years ago, that jump speaks volumes.
Calvin Austin III has the skillset to become the Pittsburgh Steelers' WR2 for 2025
You see it in the way Austin attacks every rep at practice. Whether he’s the first guy on the field or the last one off, he’s constantly working—refining his routes, studying coverages, soaking in tips from the veterans.
His teammates have noticed. Coaches talk about him with admiration. The locker room respects him because he’s earned it.
And now, with Arthur Smith taking over the offense and future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, the door is wide open. Smith has a reputation for tailoring his system around his playmakers.
With defenses focused on containing Metcalf, Austin could quietly become one of the most important weapons in the Steelers’ offensive arsenal.
The beauty is in the contrast. DK is the hammer—towering, powerful, and commanding attention. Austin is the scalpel—quick, precise, and dangerous in space. Their differences might just be what makes this duo so effective.
“I think it’s his job to lose,” Azzanni added. And he’s right. The opportunity is right in front of Austin. He’s not just competing for targets—he’s competing for trust, responsibility, and a role that could define his career.
The Steelers don’t hand out starting roles—they make players earn them. Calvin Austin III has done just that, and if he continues on this path, don’t be surprised if 2025 becomes the year he makes his mark in Pittsburgh for good.