The Pittsburgh Steelers are rapidly approaching a critical deadline for securing a contract extension with wide receiver Calvin Austin III, a move that could significantly impact their future roster dynamics. With just over a month remaining before the regular season commences, the urgency surrounding these discussions is palpable, as the team aims to solidify key talent before in-season negotiations become off-limits.
According to trusted Steelers insider Mark Kaboly, Pittsburgh has not yet initiated formal discussions with Calvin Austin III regarding a potential extension. This inaction aligns with the Steelers’ long-standing organizational policy of refraining from contract negotiations once the regular season is underway. General Manager Omar Khan faces a tight window to reach an agreement with Austin before he becomes eligible for NFL Free Agency in 2026.
Austin, a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, missed his entire rookie campaign due to a foot injury, setting back his professional development. Despite this setback, the former two-time first-team All-AAC standout from Memphis has demonstrated flashes of his potential since returning to the field, making his current contract situation a focal point for Steelers Rumors and fan speculation.
Across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Calvin Austin III has participated in 34 games, starting in nine of those contests. During this period, he has accumulated 53 receptions for 728 receiving yards and has scored five touchdowns, statistics that provide a snapshot of his contributions to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense in his active seasons.
Despite these numbers, Austin’s overall production in his first two active seasons has been less than prolific, leading many to believe a substantial, long-term extension from the Steelers is unlikely. The team may be hesitant to commit significant financial resources to a player who has yet to consistently establish himself as a top-tier receiver, especially as Contract Negotiations often hinge on proven performance.
However, the prospect of Calvin Austin III playing alongside an elite quarterback, such as Aaron Rodgers—a name frequently associated with top receiving targets—could dramatically alter his trajectory and perceived value. Such an upgrade at the quarterback position, compared to his previous experience with Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph, might allow Austin to showcase his full potential and prove his worth, potentially attracting significant interest in NFL Free Agency.
Given the current impasse and the Steelers’ negotiation policy, all indicators suggest that Calvin Austin III is on a path toward testing the NFL Free Agency market at the conclusion of the upcoming season. This scenario would leave the Pittsburgh Steelers with a critical decision to make regarding their receiving corps, while Austin would have the opportunity to seek a contract that reflects his hoped-for production, whether with Pittsburgh or another franchise.
