Steelers Could Re-Sign Veteran Wide Receiver: Report

The Pittsburgh Steelers have already made some key additions initially of the NFL’s free company interval. More particularly, on offense, Steelers GM Omar Khan made the transfer to commerce for and prolong former Indianapolis Colts 1,000-yard large receiver Michael Pittman Jr. Additionally, veteran working again Rico Dowdlerecent off of back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, was signed to a multi-year deal by Pittsburgh.

Now, the group may not be completed making strikes. According to Steelers insider Jeff HathhornPittsburgh might nonetheless re-sign veteran pass-catcher Calvin Austin IIIwho remains to be sitting out on the free agent market.

Calvin Austin III Could Help the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Offense Once Again

gettyWR Calvin Austin III helped the Steelers clinch the AFC North in Week 18 by catching the game-winning landing cross from QB Aaron Rodgers.

While Austin was not essentially a famous person performer when it comes to manufacturing, he was a precious function participant on former head coach Mike Tomlin‘s groups over the previous few seasons. A former fourth-round pick of Memphis, Austin’s greatest season got here in 2024 when he caught 36 passes for 548 yards and 4 touchdowns. While these sorts of numbers aren’t loopy, he proved to be a dependable pass-catcher additional on down the depth chart.

If Austin had been to be re-signed, the contract possible would not be for greater than a 12 months or two. Furthermore, Austin would not have the stress on him as he has had in years previous. With the current trades for Pro Bowl large receiver DK Metcalf and Pittman in every of the final two offseasons, Austin might slide in behind these guys and carry out effectively within the slot.

The Steelers Could Have One of the NFL’s Most Versatile Offenses in 2026

gettyDK Metcalf led the Steelers in receiving yards final season.

While an Aaron Rodgers return to Pittsburgh may very well be the key to the Steelers’ hopeful success in 2026 beneath new head coach Mike McCarthy, the physicality may very well be one other x-factor for them. Not solely do the Steelers now have two beginning large receivers who stand at 6’3″ or taller and weigh no less than 225 kilos in Metcalf and Pittman, however they’ve a gradual tight finish group, too.

Veteran tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington present the group with a stability of receiving and run-blocking. The latter each permits and will enable for the likes of 1,200-yard scrimmage again Jaylen Warren and Dowdle to make magic occur on the bottom. So, it’s honest to say that this offensive unit is crammed with high quality items.

The icing on the cake for this unit may very well be that aforementioned return of Rodgers. A return for the four-time MVP and Super Bowl champion would possible full the forged of McCarthy’s offense. While he is not what he as soon as was, he did file 25 whole touchdowns and simply seven interceptions en path to serving to the Steelers win their first division title in 5 years. Throw in a reunion along with his former head coach in Green Bay, who helped him win a number of MVPs, and Pittsburgh might actually be sitting on the verge of a probably particular run this upcoming 12 months.

Tim Lindsey A Chicago-area native, Tim Lindsey has lined the world of sports activities via a wide range of totally different lenses. More particularly, he has been an NFL author for websites reminiscent of Sports Illustrated and PFSN. Notable groups just like the Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, and Pittsburgh Steelers have been a serious level of emphasis for the longtime author prior to now. More about Tim Lindsey