In the ever-changing offensive landscape of the Pittsburgh Steelers, one player seems determined to rise above the noise: third-year wide receiver Calvin Austin III. As Organized Team Activities (OTAs) get underway, Austin is showing signs that he’s ready to make a serious leap in 2025—and perhaps, finally claim the Robin role alongside newly acquired veteran D.K. Metcalf.
Pittsburgh’s offense has been, to put it kindly, searching for its identity. With Arthur Smith now calling the plays, the onus is on him to piece together a unit that can thrive—and find complementary pieces that elevate the stars around them.
With George Pickens now a Dallas Cowboy, the competition for WR2 is wide open, and Austin is making the most of it.
What’s stood out early in OTAs is not just Austin’s physical talent—though his speed and shiftiness are certainly eye-catching—but also his leadership. He’s been seen leading positional drills, bringing high energy to every rep, and setting the tone with his enthusiasm.
That’s not always common for someone of his stature and draft pedigree, but it speaks volumes about his character and drive.
Statistically, Austin’s trajectory is already promising. He doubled his reception total in 2024 (34 catches) and tallied 548 receiving yards—nearly quadrupling his 2023 output of 180.
The Pitsburgh Steelers need Calvin Austin III to become an offensive catalyst in 2025
While not yet headline-grabbing numbers, they’re a solid step forward and suggest he's capable of more. And in today’s NFL, players often make “the leap” in their third year.
What makes Austin especially intriguing is how he complements the other skill sets on the field. With Metcalf’s physical dominance and Pat Freiermuth’s presence over the middle, Austin’s speed and agility offer a different dimension.
I genuinely believe the combination of Freiermuth and Austin can create matchup nightmares—stretching defenses horizontally and vertically in ways Pittsburgh hasn’t consistently managed in recent years.
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More importantly, there’s a hunger in Austin that’s impossible to miss. He’s not just participating in OTAs—he’s attacking them. With a vital offensive role up for grabs, this is his moment to earn it, not inherit it. And from what I’ve seen so far, he’s not backing down from the challenge.
The Steelers will need him—plain and simple. In a year where success hinges on offensive chemistry and playmaking, Austin has the tools, the opportunity, and the mindset.
If he keeps trending upward, 2025 could be the year Calvin Austin III becomes a household name in Pittsburgh.