The Pittsburgh Steelers have lengthy prided themselves on constructing by way of the draft, however their present roster tells a unique story—particularly on offense. Only a handful of homegrown gamers have earned second contracts with the group. The protection boasts a couple of, together with T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Cameron Heyward, and even Isaiahh Loudermilk, who not too long ago re-signed on a one-year deal. However on offense? Pat Freiermuth is the one one. That should change, and I feel Calvin Austin III is the proper candidate.
It could not appear to be a high-priority signing proper now, however I’d argue his profession trajectory remains to be promising and that his impression goes past the field rating.
After lacking his rookie season to a foot damage and enduring the dysfunctional Canada-Pickett offense in yr two, Austin had a mini breakout in his third yr. He caught 36 passes for 548 yards and 4 TDs whereas enjoying simply 52.5 % of the offensive snaps.
When the Steelers dedicated to getting Austin extra concerned throughout George Pickens’ damage in December, Austin had 9 receptions for 130 yards over a two-game span whereas enjoying roughly 77 % of the snaps.
He additionally delivered as a punt return specialist with 10.3 yards per return and a TD final season. His elite 4.32 pace is beginning to present up extra persistently as the sport slows down for him and his function grows.
Internally, Austin is extremely revered. Russell Wilson dubbed him the greatest star of the Steelers’ season. That’s maybe an overstatement, however a telling one. Roman Wilson referred to as him the chief of the WR room final offseason. Not George Pickens. Not Van Jefferson. Calvin Austin III.
He’s not simply one other diva extensive receiver in a protracted line of them in Pittsburgh. What number of years now have the speaking heads been discussing the demise of the “Steeler Approach”? It has been a frequent speaking level lately, and particularly on the offensive aspect of the ball. There may be clearly a powerful correlation between the shortage of continuity and the dying tradition.
Any individual like Austin, who’s younger, rising, and revered by his teammates is precisely the kind of man they need to look to increase.
Varied insiders have reported the Steelers suppose extra extremely of Austin than folks understand. GM Omar Khan even stated they wouldn’t have traded George Pickens in the event that they weren’t assured in a few of the guys on their roster. Austin would clearly be close to the highest of that listing.
With Aaron Rodgers telling the world that he could be prepared to play for $10 million on a one-year deal, the Steelers have loads of money to spend. Even in the event you think about T.J. Watt’s anticipated extension, there’s loads left to go round.
Austin could be inexpensive proper now, and he represents a crucial constructing block on offense. The Steelers can’t afford to proceed churning their roster at latest charges, and the one option to cease that development is to start out extending gamers they like that match the imaginative and prescient and tradition of the group.
Austin matches the imaginative and prescient. He matches the tradition. Time to get the deal finished.
