The keyword “Calvin Austin WR2” is starting to gain serious traction in Pittsburgh. After the Steelers traded George Pickens and brought in DK Metcalf, Calvin Austin III is in prime position to become the team’s WR2. While he’s undersized, his toughness, elite route running, and steady development are making a strong case for that role.
From Walk-On to WR2 Candidate
Calvin Austin WR2 talk wouldn’t exist if not for his relentless path. A walk-on at Memphis in 2017, Austin earned a scholarship in 2019 and went on to post one of the most productive careers in school history. He hauled in 156 catches for 2,541 yards and 22 receiving touchdowns, while also scoring on punt returns and end-arounds.
Austin’s elite athleticism showed at the NFL Combine, where he ran a 4.32 40-yard dash, posted a 39-inch vertical, and recorded a 9.43 Relative Athletic Score.
Pro Career: Building Momentum
Austin missed his entire rookie season in 2022 with a foot injury. But since then, he’s steadily improved:
- 2023: 17 receptions, 180 yards, 1 TD
- 2024: 36 receptions, 548 yards, 4 TDs, plus a 73-yard punt return TD
Entering Year 4, Austin is on a trajectory to become a starting-caliber receiver in Pittsburgh. Steelers WR coach Zach Azzanni agrees:
“I think that No. 2 spot is all Calvin’s right now,” Azzanni said. “Really, him and DK are such different players that there’s going to be plays that he is the one guy because that’s his route.”
Even DK Metcalf is impressed: “[Calvin Austin III’s] a jitterbug out there. He’s explosive as heck.”
Route Running & Toughness Make the Case
Calvin Austin WR2 potential comes down to traits beyond stats. His elite footwork and ability to snap off routes without wasted motion make him a perfect fit for Arthur Smith’s precision-based offense.
Austin doesn’t just win with speed — he consistently beats zone coverage, gets separation out of breaks, and isn’t afraid to take contact over the middle. That toughness is something Steelers coaches and teammates have openly praised.
“All I know is working,” Austin said. “There’s always something more I can improve on.”
Contract Outlook: Time to Pay Up?
Calvin Austin is in the final year of his rookie contract. If he hits 600+ yards again and becomes WR2 full-time, Pittsburgh may want to extend him before he hits free agency.
Here’s how his future contract might compare to similar WR2s:
| Player | Avg Rec Yards | Extension Year | AAV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyler Boyd | 700–850 | Year 4 | $8M–$9.5M |
| Darnell Mooney | 650–800 | Year 4 | $8M–$10M |
| Calvin Austin (Projected) | 600–750 | Year 4 | $7.5M–$9M |
Austin will count $1.23M against the Steelers’ cap in 2025. Signing him early to a 3–4 year deal could be a cap-smart move, especially if he thrives in a role opposite Metcalf.
Calvin Austin III’s development also opens up flexibility for the Steelers’ offensive scheme. With Austin’s elite speed and crisp route running, Pittsburgh can confidently rotate formations and create mismatches against slower slot corners and safeties. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has hinted at leveraging more motion concepts in 2025, and Austin’s explosiveness makes him the perfect chess piece for those wrinkles. Whether it’s on jet sweeps, deep overs, or comeback routes, Austin’s presence is now baked into Pittsburgh’s weekly game plan.
The WR Room Moving Forward
With Pickens gone and Austin’s emergence, the WR2 job looks more secure than most fans expected. And Austin doesn’t plan on letting go:
“I’m not glamouring over last year. I remember people didn’t think I would be here. That’s my motivation.”
Final Word
The Calvin Austin WR2 conversation is no longer hypothetical — it’s reality. With a career year behind him, full support from coaches and teammates, and a skill set tailored to Pittsburgh’s offense, Austin could be one of the NFL’s true breakout stories in 2025.
If the Steelers want to keep him, they may need to act soon — because Calvin Austin WR2 might not be under the radar much longer.
