Steelers' Calvin Austin Uncertain About Future in Pittsburgh

Wide receiver expresses gratitude for city but acknowledges team "might not want" him back.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 7:15pm

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III, who is set to become a free agent in March 2026, expressed uncertainty about his future with the team. Austin acknowledged the Steelers "might not want" him back, especially with a new coaching staff in place after the retirement of longtime head coach Mike Tomlin. While Austin previously stated a desire to remain in Pittsburgh, he also said he's excited about testing free agency and the "straight business decision" that lies ahead.

Why it matters

As one of the fastest receivers in the NFL, Calvin Austin's future with the Steelers is a key storyline heading into the offseason. His potential departure would leave a significant void in the team's receiving corps, requiring the Steelers to address the position heavily through free agency and the draft.

The details

In a radio interview, Austin expressed gratitude for the city of Pittsburgh but described the uncertainty surrounding his potential return to the Steelers in 2026. He noted that with a new coaching staff in place after Mike Tomlin's retirement, "even if I do return, whether I stay or leave, it's gonna be a new situation regardless." Austin also acknowledged that the Steelers "might not want me" or "have a different vision," leading him to view his future as a "straight business decision."

  • Calvin Austin is scheduled to become a free agent in March 2026.
  • Mike Tomlin retired as Steelers head coach prior to the 2026 season.

The players

Calvin Austin III

A wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers who is set to become a free agent in 2026.

Mike Tomlin

The former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who retired prior to the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously, since Coach T did step down, even if I do return, whether I stay or leave, it's gonna be a new situation regardless. Even if I stay, we have a whole new staff.”

— Calvin Austin III, Steelers Wide Receiver (92.9 FM ESPN)

“Pittsburgh, just being real, they might not want me, or they have a different vision. And that's why I say at the end of the day, it's just a straight business decision.”

— Calvin Austin III, Steelers Wide Receiver (92.9 FM ESPN)

What’s next

The Steelers will need to decide whether to re-sign Calvin Austin or let him test free agency in March 2026.

The takeaway

Calvin Austin's uncertain future with the Steelers highlights the challenges the team faces in retaining key offensive talent, especially with a new coaching staff in place. The Steelers will need to carefully evaluate their options at wide receiver this offseason to ensure they remain competitive in the AFC North.