The Pittsburgh Steelers currently find themselves lacking depth in the wide receiver room. After trading star wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh is faced with real proven wide receiver depth outside of DK Metcalf. Metcalf, who was acquired by the Steelers in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks earlier in the offseason, is expected to play a major role on the Steelers' offense in 2025. Currently consisting most notably of Metcalf, Calvin Austin lll, Roman Wilson and Robert Woods, the Steelers may look to add veteran depth in hopes of adding a true wide receiver two (WR2) to the roster.
With multiple questions continuing to circulate around the Steelers' wide receiver room, Head Coach Mike Tomlin and his coaching staff are expected to evaluate the talent that is already on the roster throughout minicamp and training camp. While free agency remains a legitimate option as well, both Wilson and Austin lll have reportedly looked very solid throughout the offseason and are expected to compete for Pittsburgh's WR2 role.
Austin lll, who is currently entering the fourth year of his contract with Pittsburgh, is a rising star that has elite speed and potential. After speaking with the media earlier this week, Austin lll answered questions regarding a potential contract extension in what was a promising response.
"I have no clue with that. Ever since I was a walk-on at Memphis, my mindset going into any season or offseason has been work," Austin lll stated. "Guys chasing, I'm always chasing the goal of being the best form of me that I can be, so I haven't even thought of that. I feel like after last year, me personally I improved, but there was so much more out there, and at the end of the day, we are chasing the biggest goal of all which is to win a Super Bowl."
Despite the unsure answer, fans should be extremely pleased with Austin lll's response, as the young receiver is making it as clear as possible where his priorities are entering the 2025 season. With Pickens officially out of Pittsburgh and Metcalf slated to take on the majority of the receiving workload, Austin lll may emerge as an excellent WR2 option behind the former Seahawk.
While depth issues in the wide receiver room continue to be an issue for the Steelers, the team finds themselves with similar problems in the quarterback room as well. Currently consisting of Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson and rookie Will Howard, the Steelers continue to monitor both the free agency and the trade market in hopes of acquiring a true starting caliber quarterback. Solidifying the receiver and quarterback rooms remain the team's top goals in the 2025 offseason.
Steelers Still Waiting On Aaron Rodgers
With rumors continuing to surround four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh is hoping to get a better understanding as to where Rodgers currently stands as he considers all options in free agency. Despite a horrendous two-year tenure with the New York Jets, Rodgers is a future Hall of Fame quarterback who would add some major firepower to an underwhelming Pittsburgh quarterback room. More than likely entering his final NFL season, Rodgers is a player that is far past his prime, but may prove to still have value.
As the Steelers continue to address depth issues in both the quarterback and wide receiver rooms, fans should keep a close eye on both Wilson and Austin lll moving forward. While both are expected to compete for the team's WR2 spot throughout training camp, many believe Austin lll may have a slight edge over Wilson due to the young wideout's experience, speed, and sheer playmaking ability.
