WR Calvin Austin III gets real about uncertain Steelers future

Back in January, Pittsburgh Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz acknowledged that it was a "scary time" for multiple people within the organization due to the fact that Mike Tomlin is no longer serving as Pittsburgh's head coach after spending 19 years in the job. 

Wide receiver Calvin Austin III is among the Steelers players who are set to reach free agency when the new league year opens on March 11. During a Monday appearance on Memphis sports radio station 92.9 FM ESPN, Austin spoke honestly about his uncertain future. 

Does Calvin Austin III think Steelers may not want him? 

"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 straight business decision," Austin explained, per Chris Ward of Steelers Now. "Obviously, Coach T did step down. Whether I stay or leave, it’s gonna be a new situation regardless. Even if I stay, we have a whole new staff, so it’s definitely something I’m excited about and been praying over."

ESPN stats show that Austin finished the 2025 regular season tied for sixth on the Steelers with 31 receptions and fourth on the team with 372 receiving yards. He tallied three touchdown catches over 14 games, the last of which occurred in Pittsburgh's Week 18 win that sent the club to the playoffs. 

It's no secret that recently hired Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy and multiple Pittsburgh players want 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers to remain the team's starting quarterback for another season. While the Steelers are expected to target playmakers from the start of free agency through the 2026 NFL Draft, logic suggests Rodgers would prefer to see some familiar faces in the huddle if he plays for Pittsburgh later this year. 

Will Aaron Rodgers impact what Calvin Austin III wants to do in free agency?

"I feel like that plays a factor," Austin said about whether his future could be impacted by what Rodgers decides to do. "Everything’s gonna play a factor. I have to think about everything. You don’t wanna make decisions and be like, 'Man, yeah. I really didn’t consider that.'"

Austin added that he has "love" for Pittsburgh and "would definitely want to continue to make that home." It's unclear if McCarthy and others within the Steelers have a similar love for Austin this winter.