calvin austin remains on the free agent market as the Pittsburgh Steelers weigh whether to bring him back, with a key update surfacing Wednesday night (ET). The situation is unfolding while Steelers GM Omar Khan continues shaping the offense after early free-agency moves and major receiver additions. The immediate question: whether Pittsburgh can keep its veteran slot option in place without disrupting the team’s broader approach.
Where talks stand right now on Calvin Austin
As of Wednesday night (ET), Steelers insider Jeff Hathhorn said Calvin Austin III “could still re-sign” with Pittsburgh and described the passage of time as increasing the odds of a return. Speaking on 93. 7 The Fan on Wednesday (ET), Hathhorn said Austin wants to explore the market to determine what his contract number looks like, and noted that no deal had been attached to him yet.
Pittsburgh’s decision comes after the organization already made notable offensive additions at the start of the NFL free agency period. Khan traded for and extended wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., and the Steelers signed veteran running back Rico Dowdle to a multi-year deal. Pittsburgh also has DK Metcalf in its receiver room, with Pittman and Metcalf positioned as an outside one-two punch.
That leaves an open lane for calvin austin to potentially settle into a WR3 and slot role if the Steelers and his camp can agree on terms. The context around the roster makes the fit straightforward: Pittsburgh has reinforced the top of the wide receiver depth chart, but still benefits from dependable depth and flexibility behind it.
Immediate reactions and the key quote driving this
Hathhorn’s comments were the clearest public signal that a reunion remains very much alive as free agency opens.
“Austin does have an opportunity to come back, yes, ” Jeff Hathhorn said while speaking on 93. 7 The Fan on Wednesday (ET). “He wants to explore to see what his number is. The fact that we haven’t seen his contract assigned to his name. I think with each hour that passes, the opportunity to come back to Pittsburgh grows. ”
Inside the team-building logic, Pittsburgh is balancing what Austin provides against cost and roster construction. Hathhorn pointed to the team’s familiarity with Austin, Mike McCarthy’s offensive system, and the timing of free agency as factors that could work in Pittsburgh’s favor.
What the Steelers have built around him
The Steelers’ offense now features Pittman and Metcalf as major pieces, and the club has highlighted its tight end group as a steady combination of receiving and run-blocking with Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. In the backfield, Dowdle joins Jaylen Warren, described as a 1, 200-yard scrimmage back, giving Pittsburgh multiple options on the ground.
Calvin Austin III’s recent production has been framed as solid but not headline-grabbing. His best season came in 2024 with 36 catches for 548 yards and four touchdowns. In 2025, he finished with 31 catches for 372 receiving yards and three touchdowns. The Steelers have leaned on his ability to contribute when targeted, including in critical moments.
Quick context
Pittsburgh is working through early free agency while continuing to monitor the wide receiver market. Austin is testing that market, and Pittsburgh’s interest hinges on whether the price matches the role.
What’s next
The next signal to watch is whether Austin’s market produces an offer that changes Pittsburgh’s leverage, or whether the lack of movement continues to pull both sides toward a short-term return. For now, the Steelers have the pieces to keep building, but the decision on calvin austin remains a live roster storyline as the team shapes its offense for the season ahead.
