Welcome to The Terrible Take, a daily segment telling Steelers Nation what's on our mind.

I'm Ross McCorkle.

There are probably bigger fish to fry in terms of free agents this year, but there's one

player flying under the radar that I wouldn't mind seeing a new deal for, that being

wide receiver Calvin Austin III.

He's entering the final year of his rookie contract, which is typically when the

Steelers opt to extend their drafted players,

otherwise they end up having the opportunity to hit the open market as an unrestricted

free agent. Austin would be a cheap contract to give out right now, and he is a key role player

for multiple reasons. For one, he provides a much-needed speed to this offense. He ran a 4.32-second

40-yard dash at the Comb combine in 2022 and has speed to

really stress matchups with opposing defenses. He may have a slight frame, but he made some

seriously tough catches in the 2024 season. He was getting hit hard and still hung on to some of

those tough catches. He plays much larger than his size would indicate.

Aside from that, he is a great leader in the room. Roman Wilson referred to him as the leader of the wide receiver room ahead of the 2024 season. Russell Wilson was praising Austin regularly

throughout the year and called him one of the stories of the 2024 season with his breakout.

Statistically, it wasn't a great breakout, but it was progress.

He had 36 receptions on 58 targets for 548 yards and four touchdowns.

All of those numbers were career highs.

He also had a solid year as a punt return specialist, so he offers value in multiple areas.

He is a great complimentary piece to have in a wide receiver room, and he should absolutely be a part of the future core, along with Roman Wilson, and whatever else happens this offseason, including a potential high draft pick or possibly a veteran acquisition in free agency or via trade.

Otherwise, they risk him having another good year to continue his upward trend, and then maybe he could price himself out of Pittsburgh.

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