After often playing against John Harbaugh while the two were in the AFC North, Calvin Austin is now joining the coach in New York. The Giants are signing the veteran wide receiver, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Austin is inking a one-year deal, per Schefter. The receiver will earn up to $4.5MM on his new pact. Connor Hughes of SNYtv clarifies that Austin’s deal is worth a base value of $1.5MM, including only $100K in guaranteed money.
The 2022 fourth-round pick out of Memphis played out his rookie contract in Pittsburgh. A foot injury forced him to redshirt his rookie campaign, but he immediately carved out a role on special teams once he made his NFL debut. In three healthy seasons with the Steelers, Austin returned 72 punts for 639 yards and a touchdown.
At the same time, Austin had a somewhat consistent (albeit minor) role on offense. He had his best showing in 2024, when he hauled in 36 catches for 548 yards and four touchdowns. His numbers took a step back with a deeper receiving corps around new QB Aaron Rodgers in 2025. Austin finished this past year with 31 catches for 372 yards and three scores.
Austin got into six games against Harbaugh and the Ravens during his time in Pittsburgh, with his nine catches representing the most against any one opponent. Now in New York, he’ll likely take on a similar role. The team hasn’t done much to replace Wan’Dale Robinson, and with Malik Nabers returning from injury, perhaps Austin will be in line for a larger offensive role with his new squad. When the WR corps is whole, the free agent acquisition will be competing with the likes of Darius Slayton and Isaiah Hodgins for reps.
Makes sense, Ravens wanted to take him in the draft.
Honestly this guy is a great #4 who can take the top off safeties.
Terrible in the priority role Pittsburgh tried playing him in
Sign Juan Jennings while you’re at it
Does this mean Giants taking a WR or Downs with first pick? Giants never should have beaten Vegas. They could have gotten a nice trade package for Mendoza or traded Dart for a nice haul
Too late for that as teams aren’t going to tank unless they quit.
Styles could also be that pick. I was hoping in this FA period they would have signed another CB, DT, G, etc. They need a lot, but it’s slim pickings now. A lot off the board today and yesterday.
If downs is available
I think Austin’s only problem here in Pittsburgh was his size and being dropped into roles he couldn’t fill. He plays hard and is a team player. Like Goku said above, if they can utilize him properly he can be a real asset
He’s also a pretty solid punt returner; he won’t break any, but he usually makes solid choices and moves up the field. But as a receiver, he’s not going to beat your starting cornerbacks too often.