If the Steelers do trade for a wide receiver, their trade partner might want a pass-catcher back as part of the deal. If that becomes the case, 2022 fourth-round pick Calvin Austin III might become a potent trade piece.
Austin missed his entire rookie season with a foot injury, and he didn't play regularly in 2023. However, he did flash his downfield ability on a 72-yard touchdown reception in Week 3 last season.
Other teams could be intrigued by Austin's untapped potential and blazing speed—he ran a 4.32-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine. While he wouldn't net much on his own, including him in a trade package with another player and/or draft capital could help get a deal done.
And while moving Austin, in theory, would weaken Pittsburgh's receiving corps, there's no guarantee that the Memphis product will play a major role in 2024. The Steelers are looking for a No. 2 receiver opposite George Pickens, and Austin will be competing with the likes of Scotty Miller, Van Jefferson and rookie Roman Wilson just for playing time.
