Sportsnaut
When the Pittsburgh Steelers traded for Pro Bowl wide receiver DK Metcalf, the move was widely praised. Metcalf’s arrival meant either he or George Pickens would serve as the No. 2 receiver, giving Pittsburgh an extremely strong starting cast of receivers.
Yet, once Pickens was traded, the Steelers’ sudden strength turned back into a major question mark, specifically leaving the No. 2 receiver position wide open. While rumors quickly suggested another trade could be in the works, the Steelers have moved forward with their current group of personnel.
Recently, Steelers receivers coach Zach Azzanni announced that Calvin Austin III will start the season as the No. 2 receiver in Pittsburgh. For Austin, it’s a huge opportunity as Aaron Rodgers takes over as the Steelers’ starting quarterback.
Yet, for others, like Roman Wilson, it serves as more motivation as he looks to take advantage of a future first-ballot Hall of Famer joining the fray.
Austin was the Steelers’ fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, giving him a chance to be the latest mid-round steal in the receiver room in Pittsburgh. Austin recorded 548 receiving yards and four touchdowns last season while catching passes from Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, so it appears he’s more than ready for a bigger opportunity.
Related: Super Bowl-winning head coach admits: Signing Aaron Rodgers was a ‘possibility’
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