The Pittsburgh Steelers reshaped their offense this offseason, adding quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Pro Bowl wideout DK Metcalf. Metcalf’s arrival gave Pittsburgh a clear No. 1 option, but it also left an important question hanging over the team. Who will step up as the Steelers’ No. 2 wide receiver?
That conversation has been ongoing since the trade of Diontae Johnson. The immediate focus shifted to the current roster, with Calvin Austin III and rookie Roman Wilson viewed as the top candidates.
Austin, a third-round pick in 2022, has shown flashes of promise despite battling injuries. After missing his entire rookie year, he produced 36 catches for 548 yards and four touchdowns last season. His speed and ability to stretch defenses make him an intriguing fit alongside Metcalf. Though he sat out the preseason with an oblique injury, Austin returned to practice fully and appears ready to play a larger role.
The Steelers are hoping someone steps up as their No. 2 option
Steelers receivers coach Zach Azzanni has already expressed confidence in Austin starting the year as the No. 2 option. Head coach Mike Tomlin echoed that sentiment while also keeping the door open for others.
“I’m extremely confident in him, but I’m also equally confident in Roman Wilson, Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth,” Tomlin said. “In today’s game, it comes at you in a lot of ways.”
Wilson, meanwhile, benefited from Austin’s preseason absence. The rookie turned heads with his explosiveness and could challenge for snaps early. His development may determine how much of the workload is shared behind Metcalf.
The presence of Rodgers only adds to the intrigue. His timing-based passing style has already meshed with Metcalf, who is expected to command a heavy target share. Still, Rodgers will need another reliable option to prevent defenses from keying exclusively on his star receiver.
Austin and Wilson enter the season with the chance to define their roles in that equation. If one emerges as a consistent threat, the Steelers’ offense could evolve into one of the league’s most balanced attacks. For now, the No. 2 spot remains a competition worth watching in Pittsburgh.
