Calvin Austin III showed notable progress in his second NFL season after a quiet rookie year, raising questions about his 2025 fantasy outlook as a potential WR2 for the Pittsburgh Steelers. With key receivers George Pickens, Van Jefferson, and Mike Williams no longer on the roster, Austin could emerge as a valuable flex asset in fantasy leagues if he secures a more prominent role.
Selected in the fourth round of the 2024 draft, Austin‘s initial impact was minimal, recording just 17 catches for 180 yards as a rookie. However, he increased his production significantly in his sophomore year. Austin caught 36 passes for 548 yards and four touchdowns, nearly doubling his target share from 6.2% to 12.6%. A shift toward primarily running routes from the slot, accounting for over half of his routes at 53.4%, contributed to his improved efficiency.
His transition to a bigger playmaker was evident in his yards per target, which jumped from 6.0 to 9.4, ranking 17th in the league. Similarly, his 15.2 yards per reception placed him 15th among receivers. Despite these gains, Austin averaged just seven fantasy points per game and was an inconsistent weekly option, highlighted by only three games surpassing 16 fantasy points. These peaks were often preceded by performances with minimal catches, limiting his week-to-week reliability for fantasy managers.
Projected Steelers Depth at Receiver Heading into 2025
With DK Metcalf firmly established as the Steelers’ WR1, Austin is expected to contend for the WR2 position, facing competition from veterans such as Robert Woods, who is 33 years old, plus Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek, and Roman Wilson. Among these options, Austin currently appears to be the frontrunner for significant snaps beyond Metcalf.
The Steelers’ historically conservative passing attack, which averaged fewer than 30 pass attempts per game in 2024, could see an uptick with Aaron Rodgers leading the offense. Rodgers has never averaged fewer than 31.7 pass attempts per game over a season, suggesting the team’s passing volume may increase in 2025, potentially benefiting Austin‘s opportunity to contribute more consistently.
Given Austin’s current average draft position around WR84, he represents a low-cost, low-risk option late in drafts or as a waiver-wire pickup, making him an enticing deep sleeper candidate for fantasy managers looking for upside at minimal investment.
Insights from Frank Ammirante on Austin’s Fantasy Outlook
Fantasy analyst Frank Ammirante highlights Austin’s efficiency with 36 receptions on 58 targets for 548 yards and four touchdowns last year. Ammirante points out Austin’s several productive weeks, including a memorable game with four catches for 95 yards and a score against the Chargers and another with three catches for 78 yards and a touchdown against the Browns.
Positioned as the Steelers’ No. 2 wide receiver, Austin offers deep-threat potential, and if Aaron Rodgers experiences even a modest resurgence, Austin could see his numbers improve accordingly. Ammirante suggests treating Austin as a WR8-level pick, particularly in Best Ball leagues, where the focus is on accumulating sporadic production rather than consistent weekly reliability.
He cautions that late-round rookies come with risk, referencing Jermaine Burton of the Bengals, who failed to consistently produce in his first season. While Austin shows promise, Ammirante does not foresee him becoming a major factor in redraft formats, advising fantasy managers to limit Austin’s use to Best Ball contests where his occasional big games can boost roster value.
Factors Shaping Austin’s 2025 Fantasy Value
Calvin Austin III’s improved role and efficiency suggest he could finally translate opportunity into tangible fantasy production in 2025. His potential as a WR2 in Pittsburgh hinges on increased targets in a passing game likely to feature more attempts under Aaron Rodgers than in 2024. Despite competition from a handful of veterans, Austin’s youth and track record as a playmaker position him well to claim a significant role.
Fantasy managers looking for a low-cost, high-upside receiver may target Austin late in drafts or use him as a stash on waivers early in the season, hoping that he emerges as a consistent contributor. His ability to deliver explosive plays in certain matchups provides upside, even if week-to-week stability remains a question.
Ultimately, Austin’s 2025 fantasy outlook depends on both the volume and efficiency of targets he receives, along with the overall effectiveness of the Steelers’ passing attack under Rodgers. He remains a plausible sleeper option who could reward patient fantasy owners willing to bet on his growth.