D.K. Metcalf will take on George Pickens‘ role as the Steelers’ No. 1 receiver in 2025 and beyond. As the regular season approaches, Pittsburgh still faces questions about the secondary WR spots. 
As things stand, Calvin Austin and Roman Wilson are positioned to handle larger workloads than they have so far in their brief NFL careers. Austin in particular will be worth watching given his status as a pending 2026 free agent. Time remains for an extension to be worked out for the 26-year-old, but one does not appear likely.
The Steelers have not yet approached Austin about a new contract, Mark Kaboly of the Pat McAfee Show notes. He adds it is unclear if that will change over the coming weeks. While general manager Omar Khan has operated in a noticeably different way than his predecessor in certain capacities, he has maintained the organizational policy he inherited which prohibits in-season contract negotiations. As a result, Austin will play out the season in anticipation of a trip to the open market (pending a re-signing early in the spring, of course) unless a pact is signed soon.
The former fourth-rounder missed his entire rookie season due to injury and he occupied only a rotational role in the passing game the following year. Austin flashed potential in 2024, though, once again playing in every game and logging eight starts. He averaged 15.2 yards per reception on the season and reached or surpassed the 65-yard mark in a game four times. Another step forward – brought about, the team hopes, by improved quarterback play – would position Austin for a payday on his second contract.
The Memphis product has spent the offseason as Pittsburgh’s leading candidate for the WR2 role, although another addition at the position cannot be ruled out. The Steelers hosted Gabe Davis for a workout in June, but the absence of an immediate agreement did not eliminate the possibility of a deal being struck at some point. Davis is still unsigned as of now, with the same being true for the likes of Keenan Allen, Amari Cooper and Tyler Boyd, who has expressed interest in joining his hometown team.
The Steelers have over $19MM in cap space at the moment, so a signing would certainly be feasible from a financial standpoint. If they continue to rely on their in-house receiving options, though, Austin could be set up to earn himself a considerable raise with his 2025 performance.
lol why would they