Calvin Austin III shares how Aaron Rodgers plans to utilize him this upcoming season

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The fourth year receiver will need to step up in a big way for Aaron Rodgers this upcoming season.

For the second season in a row, Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III finds himself in the role of the presumptive second receiver in the Pittsburgh offense. Austin had to redshirt his entire rookie season due to an injury. However, he has seen his role in the offense grow over the years, and this season is setting up to be another step forward for Austin.

The fourth-year receiver out of Memphis is coming off a season in which he totaled 36 receptions for 548 yards and four touchdowns. With Aaron Rodgers in town for what is more than likely his final NFL season, this is the best quarterback play that Austin has had during his young NFL career. Austin recently appeared on Action News 5 in Memphis and discussed what Rodgers liked about his game.

“The first time I met Aaron (Rodgers), one of the first things he said was about my speed, obviously, that’s my main thing,” Austin said. “It’s something that got me to the point I’m at today. But one of the other things he was talking about was me going over the middle to make those tough catches. That was something that I really worked on last year and wanted to show that I’m not just a straight down-the-field speed guy.”

Rodgers has made it very clear that although it is likely his final season, he is all in with this roster. Rodgers and Austin certainly have a mutual respect for one another already, but I think the most important takeaway from this is Austin talking about how he wants to be used over the middle of the field. If there is anyone in the history of the league who can make any throw on the field you need them to make, it’s Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers have struggled to use the middle of the field effectively over the last few seasons, mostly due to quarterback play. Rodgers should be a breath of fresh air in that regard.

The Steelers offense will have lots of new faces in 2025, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, and it will be exciting to see how they are all utilized. DK Metcalf should be the top option in the passing game. Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith will most certainly get their touches, but Austin seems to be going under the radar yet again. Throughout minicamp, Austin was seen playing mostly in the slot, although training camp should give us a clearer view of where Austin will be lining up. If Austin is truly able to be the person who can make those tough catches over the middle that the team has lacked over the last few years, you can reasonably expect him to have a career year.