After months of speculation, the Pittsburgh Steelers finally signed quarterback Aaron Rodgers. That makes the pairing of Rodgers and new wide receiver DK Metcalf official.
Analysts, experts, and fans wasted no time giving their opinions on the two. Some believe the duo will work in spades. Others have a scroll filled with reasons for doubt. If Metcalf is the only quality receiver on the team, Rodgers will have a tough time. However, Metcalf recently raved about the performance of one of his fellow wide receivers.
DK Metcalf Gives Unique Description of WR Calvin Austin III
Speaking with reporters in a video posted by the Post-Gazette Sports, Metcalf uniquely described teammate Calvin Austin III.
“He’s a jitterbug out there, but he’s explosive as heck,” Metcalf said.
He was then asked to compare Rodgers to Russell Wilson, his former quarterback with the Seattle Seahawks.
“I would say they’re similar with how they approach the game,” he said. “They’re very professional, going to hold people accountable in the offense, in the team setting, but also they’re going to work their butts off when they’re out here and they’re going to make you come up to their level of competitiveness out there on the grass.”
Rodgers sometimes has a reputation for being stern with his teammates, but if Metcalf’s opinion of Austin III bears fruit, Rodgers should have a limited number of issues with Austin III.
Austin III Heads Into Potential Career-Defining Season
It was clear that the Steelers were not thrilled with the wide receiver room last season, as evidenced by trading for Metcalf and trading George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. However, despite overhauling the room, Austin III has a chance to seize the day.
The wide receiver has been trending upward in his first two seasons and has the chance for a breakout season, but it could take a bit more effort with Metcalf in town. In his rookie season, Austin III started just one game, earning 180 yards and 10.8 yards per reception.
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In 2024, he earned eight starts, 548 yards, and 15.2 yards per reception. His touchdown totals also jumped from one to four between his first and second years.
If Austin III can improve, potentially getting over the 1,000-yard mark, he would set himself up for a nice contract extension. Austin III, paired with Metcalf, could deliver arguably the most stable wide receiver duo the franchise has had in more than a decade, which would seemingly help the Steelers’ 25th-best Offense+ rating by PFSN.
