Why The Steelers Should Keep Calvin Austin III

This offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers will have a difficult decision to make regarding the future of receiver Calvin Austin III.

For many, letting him walk seems like the best option, especially given the potential free‑agent market and the strength of this year’s receiver draft class. Yet before jumping to that conclusion, there are several important factors worth considering.

The first is how well Austin III fits new head coach Mike McCarthy’s offensive system. Austin thrives on short‑to‑intermediate routes, using his elite burst off the line to create quick separation. His skillset aligns naturally with a West Coast scheme built on timing, rhythm, and efficient route concepts.

This past season, he proved his value in critical moments, delivering three game‑winning touchdowns — Week 1 against the Jets, Week 3 against the Patriots, and Week 18 against the Ravens. His downside, of course, is that his smaller frame has made him more susceptible to injuries. Even so, his strengths match almost perfectly with the demands of McCarthy’s offense.

Photo Credit: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images/TNS

Additionally, keeping Austin III preserves continuity in an offense that desperately needs stability. He already understands the timing, spacing, and leverage reads required in McCarthy’s system — something you can’t instantly replace with a rookie or a new free agent. Retaining him means keeping a receiver who is already synced with the scheme rather than starting over with someone who may need a full season to adjust.

On top of that, Austin brings a unique speed element the rest of the roster simply doesn’t replicate. Even when he isn’t touching the ball, defenses must account for his burst, which widens zones and creates cleaner passing windows. In a West Coast offense built on rhythm and yards after the catch, that kind of gravity is a real asset — and one the Steelers can retain at a reasonable cost as he enters his prime.

Taken together, these factors make Austin III far more valuable than many realize. His speed, timing, and comfort in McCarthy’s system give the Steelers a ready‑made fit rather than another developmental gamble. Combine that with his proven clutch production and likely affordable contract, and keeping him becomes the smarter, stability‑focused move. If Pittsburgh wants an offense built on rhythm, reliability, and real playmaking juice, extending Calvin Austin III is the kind of decision that moves them forward instead of starting over.

Final verdict: Re-sign Austin III to 2 years, $6–8 million total