Latest news with #ZachAzzanni
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Steelers WR Calvin Austin III named Pittsburgh's offseason surprise
One of the biggest questions the Pittsburgh Steelers need to answer in training camp is which wide receiver will win the starting spot opposite DK Metcalf this upcoming season. Heading into training camp, the Steelers are going to have a three-man battle for the spot between Calvin Austin III, Robert Woods and Roman Wilson. ESPN named one offseason surprise for every team after minicamps, and for the Steelers, they picked Austin. Here's what ESPN Steelers writer Brooke Pryor had to say about Austin. Advertisement Since trading George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, the Steelers are squarely in need of a No. 2 wide receiver to complement DK Metcalf. WR coach Zach Azzanni, though, believes they already have someone in the building to fill that role. "I think that '2' spot is all Calvin's right now," Azzanni said during the Steelers' minicamp. Selected 86 picks after Pickens in 2022, Austin missed his entire rookie year with an injury but has turned into a steady contributor in each of his last two seasons. Austin was just behind Pickens last season, averaging 15.2 yards per reception, and he hauled in four touchdowns to Pickens' three. Austin still has to build chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but he made plays throughout the Steelers' OTAs and minicamp with Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson and Will Howard throwing him the football. If Austin looked the best in offseason work on offense for the Steelers, the next best was fellow receiver Wilson. Wilson missed his entire rookie campaign with an injury and looked tremendous as well. Austin's experience with the team gives him an edge and if he's 100 percent healthy, he should have a very strong season. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers WR Calvin Austin III named Pittsburgh's offseason surprise
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Steelers coach speaks up on Aaron Rodgers' blunt approach on WRs
The post Steelers coach speaks up on Aaron Rodgers' blunt approach on WRs appeared first on ClutchPoints. Pittsburgh Steelers fans do not expect a complete offensive transformation this season. Starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers, while being a Hall-of-Fame-bound Super Bowl champion and four-time MVP, will turn 41 years old during the 2025-26 NFL season. He is obviously not the same player he was, as those who watched him the last few years already know. Nevertheless, this enigmatic athlete is presently the franchise's best hope at reviving the passing attack. Advertisement Rodgers threw for nearly 4,000 yards last season and still does a nice job at limiting interceptions (only four seasons with 10-plus picks). He has the tools and experience to potentially elevate Pittsburgh's' wide receivers. However, with his positive attributes does come some drawbacks. There is sometimes a concern that the 10-time Pro Bowl selection will not mesh well with his pass-catchers. He has called them out in the past, and there is no telling how that would go over with the Steelers' revamped unit. Well, WRs coach Zach Azzanni is not worried about Rodgers' critical approach. Actually, he seems to embrace it. 'I love that challenge,' he said, per the Steelers Depot X account. 'I like that. I'd rather have someone that's dialed into the detail in the perimeter, and those guys ultimately have to be on the same page. I understand that he's hard on receivers, and I like that because I'm hard on receivers.' Will Rodgers and the Steelers WRs click right away? While it is good to know that the coaching staff has no qualms about the 20-year signal-caller's methods, it is more important how the receivers themselves feel about Aaron Rodgers. If there is a disconnect between the two parties, disaster is bound to ensue. There is no point in preparing for a worst-case scenario when the vibes appear solid so far, but beyond personal chemistry, it is crucial that the QB builds a rapport with Pittsburgh's WR room. Advertisement Rodgers is not the only notable newcomer on this offense. The Steelers traded multiple draft picks to acquire 2020 Second-Team All-Pro DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks, and then they signed him to a $150 million contract extension. There is considerable pressure on his shoulders. His quarterback will be tasked with easing it. Second-year wideout Roman Wilson, whom the team selected with the No. 84 pick in last year's draft, is also someone to monitor. He helped Michigan win a national championship but then missed most of his rookie campaign due to injuries. An accomplished veteran like Rodgers could be instrumental in his development. And we cannot forget about speedster Calvin Austin III, who made marked progress last season. Free-agent signing Robert Woods is far removed from his prime, but he can still add vital guidance to this group. Rodgers is expected to put those men in position to make a worthwhile impact. If all goes as the Steelers hope, maybe tough love will not even be necessary. Related: Steelers news: Pittsburgh native would love to sign with Steelers Related: Steelers send message to Pirates after Dave Parker's death
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Steelers Name Leader For No. 2 Wide Receiver Job
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni reveals who is leading for the No. 2 job opposite DK Metcalf. PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have been looking to add No. 2 wide receiver since trading George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys last month. But Steelers wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni believes he is already on the roster. Advertisement 'I think that No. 2 spot is all Calvin [Austin III]'s right now,' Azzanni said. 'Really, him and DK [Metcalf] are such different players that there's going to be plays that he is the one guy because that's his route, and vice versa, because they're so different.' Pittsburgh selected Austin in the fourth round (No. 138 overall) of the 2022 NFL Draftt. He then missed the entirety of his rookie season due to a foot injury. However, the 26-year-old has steadily improved every year since. In 2023, he had 17 catches for 180 yards and one touchdown, and then last season, he had a career-high 36 catches for 548 yards and four touchdowns. Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III in a game against the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 17, 2024 — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now That isn't elite, or even No. 2 wide receiver, production, but if he continues to take another step forward in Year 4, he could certainly get there. Advertisement Austin isn't letting his semi-breakout season slow him down, either. 'Not glamouring over last year. I remember the fact that I'm a walk on,' Austin said. 'I have notes in my phone, texts and stuff. I remember people didn't think I would be here. My family, my dad, some of my coaches were the only people to believe in me. So that's what really is my motivation year after year and is why going into this season, it's not anything different or new for me.' The Steelers could still opt to acquire another wide receiver, and rightfully so, since Austin plays primarily in the slot at his 5-foot-9, 162-pound frame. But there's no doubt all eyes will be on Austin this summer, especially as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. That has Azzanni as excited as ever for his overlooked unit. Advertisement 'Everyone's downplaying, underplaying our group right now,' Azzanni said. 'I love it that way. I don't really want anyone looking at us, anyway.' This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Name Leader For No. 2 Wide Receiver Job Related Headlines
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Can Calvin Austin III Serve as Steelers No. 2 WR?
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf this offseason with the hopes he could bring some much-needed big-play ability to their offense. However, Metcalf thinks another player on the Steelers roster is going to do the same alongside him this season. That is Calvin Austin III. The shifty receiver out of Memphis turned heads in Year 3 with the Steelers last season. This season could be a breakout year for the Memphis native. Advertisement '[Calvin Austin III's] a jitterbug out there. He's explosive as heck,' Metcalf said. 'So just looking forward to lining up with him for the rest of these last couple days of camp and then moving onto training camp, and then just starting to work off each other in different route concepts.' Only time will tell if Austin can take his game to another level in 2025, but Metcalf wasn't the only person who thinks that is going to happen. Steelers wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni also foresees a much bigger role for Austin in Year 4. 'I think that No. 2 spot is all Calvin's right now,' Azzanni said. 'Really, him and DK are such different players that there's going to be plays that he is the one guy because that's his route, and vice versa, because they're so different.' Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver/punt returner Calvin Austin III returning a punt for a 73-yard touchdown against the New York Giants on Oct. 28, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now Pittsburgh has been looking to add another wide receiver since trading George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys last month. But if Austin can continue making strides this summer like Metcalf and Azzanni believe he will, the team's search may be over sooner rather than later. Advertisement 'I think that No. 2 spot is all Calvin [Austin III]'s right now,' Azzanni said. 'Really, him and DK [Metcalf] are such different players that there's going to be plays that he is the one guy because that's his route, and vice versa, because they're so different.' Austin isn't letting his semi-breakout season slow him down, either. 'Not glamouring over last year. I remember the fact that I'm a walk on,' Austin said. 'I have notes in my phone, texts and stuff. I remember people didn't think I would be here. My family, my dad, some of my coaches were the only people to believe in me. So that's what really is my motivation year after year and is why going into this season, it's not anything different or new for me.' That has Azzanni as excited as ever for his overlooked unit. Advertisement 'Everyone's downplaying, underplaying our group right now,' Azzanni said. 'I love it that way. I don't really want anyone looking at us, anyway.' Austin is also hearing people doubt the receivers room. That's why he plans to keep his head down just as he always has and prove his doubters wrong. 'All I know is working,' Austin said. 'I feel like that speaks to the core of me and why I feel like just, in general, I've never reached a point to where I'm like, 'OK, I think I'm doing pretty good.' There's always something more I can improve on. That's the only way I've got to be where I'm at.' 19 • Calvin Austin III, Wide Receiver Memphis 5-foot-9, 161 Pounds, 26 years old, 4th pro season Acquired: The Steelers drafted Austin with the 138th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Austin was the second wide receiver that the Steelers selected in the 2022 NFL Draft after the team selected George Pickens in the second round. Advertisement Last Year: The 26-year-old has steadily improved every year. In 2023, he had 17 catches for 180 yards and one touchdown, and then last season, he had a career-high 36 catches for 548 yards and four touchdowns. He also had a 73-yard punt return for a touchdown in the Steelers' Week 8 win over the New York Giants. Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III at practice on Dec. 4, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now Career: Prior to the 2022 preseason, Austin aggravated a foot injury and was placed on the Steelers' injured reserve list to start the season. After his 21-day window to return to action came and went, Austin missed his entire rookie season due to an injury. The Steelers placed Austin on the season-ending injured list on Oct. 26, 2022. Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III before a game against the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 8, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now Pre-draft: Austin ran a 4.32-second 40-yard dash with a 6.65 three-cone-drill and 39-inch vertical at the NFL Scouting Combine. He scored a 9.43 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 151 out of 2613 WR from 1987 to 2022. College: After a stellar high school career at Harding Academy in Memphis, Austin decided to walk on at the University of Memphis prior to the 2017 season. Austin redshirted in 2017 while the team went 10-3. He also ran on the track and field team in 2017. Advertisement In 2018, Austin appeared in four games as a wide receiver and caught two passes for 24 yards and zero touchdowns. His second-ever collegiate touch was an 83-yard jet sweep that turned into a touchdown and helped the Tigers close out their first game of the season. This was the longest run in Memphis history since 2002. As a redshirt sophomore in 2019, played nine games at wide receiver and caught 17 passes for 315 yards and three touchdowns. Austin earned a scholarship after a game against Houston in 2019. Austin helped lead the Tigers to the 2019 AAC Championship. This was the last year that Austin ran on the track and field team for Memphis as he focused his attention on football after receiving the scholarship. In 2020, Austin started all 11 games for the Tigers and finished the year with 63 receptions, 1,053 yards, and 11 receiving touchdowns. This included six 100-yard games and he scored in nine of the team's 11 games. After the season, Austin was named a Burlsworth Award semifinalist. Wide Receiver Calvin Austin III (4) during the Memphis vs. SMU Football game on 11062021. Prior to his final collegiate season, Austin was named to the Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watchlist. As a redshirt senior in 2021, Austin played 12 games and recorded a career-high 74 receptions and 1,149 yards. In addition to the career-high in receptions and yards, he totaled eight receiving touchdowns to close out his collegiate career. After the season, Austin was invited to the Reese's Senior Bowl and to the NFL Combine. Advertisement In total, Austin hauled in 156 receptions for 2,541 yards and 22 receiving touchdowns at Memphis. He also added three rushing touchdowns and two punt return touchdowns. Salary cap and future: Austin is entering the fourth year of his standard four-year rookie contract and will cost $1,226,084 against the Steelers' 2025 cap space. His salary for 2025 is $1,100,000 while he is owed a $126,084 bonus. Austin is signed with the team through the end of the 2025 season when he will become a free agent. The rest of the 90: This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Can Calvin Austin III Serve as Steelers No. 2 WR? Advertisement Related Headlines
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Steelers reveal WR2 opposite DK Metcalf at mandatory minicamp
There's a new WR2 in Pittsburgh — and no, it's not Steelers second-year wideout Roman Wilson. At mandatory minicamp, Steelers wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni made it clear that not only is Calvin Austin III the WR2 — his opportunity opposite DK Metcalf could allow him to take the lead role in receiving (courtesy of Chris Adamski): Advertisement "I think that two spot is all Calvin's right now. And really, him and DK are such different players that there's going to be plays where he is the one guy because that's his route — and vice versa, because they're so different." Austin unfortunately missed out on his rookie year in 2022 due to injuries — but he's shown flashes of greatness over the past two seasons. The acquisition of Aaron Rodgers came at the perfect time for Austin — who's in need of a breakout-caliber 2025 season in what will be his contract year. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers' Calvin Austin named WR2 at mandatory minicamp
