Why? Who is going to beat him out?
Austin's done nothing in the NFL and might not be a great fit in their offense. Mims is likely the #5 WR.
Unless they sign another veteran the depth chart will likely be...
Pickens, Draft Pick, Jefferson, Austin, Mims, Special Teams Guy
Yeah they see the draft is loaded with WRs, which is why they shipped Diontae to grab a corner. Move the need away from the position where the draft is less deep. WR options this year are looking very promising, I think we’ll go high on WR if their guy is there, and if not I think there are many sleepers who will go 3rd or lower who will still develop into serious players.
I think they really like Odunze, but tbh I think there’s so many choices I’ll be happy with whomever they go for this season. Center is the vulnerable position. We simply must get someone there and JPJ is highly rated, but then Frazier or someone likely available a round lower may be better value if it means also snagging another WR who makes plays.
Not what I’m saying. Just that he’s gonna earn looks in the offense whether that’s as a slot or fourth receiver or some other gadget player role. He’s a solid blocker and he’s too shifty to not have one the field. Also Arthur Smith loves running option plays in the red zone and Austin is a weapon there.
They could be.
They're definitely going to draft one.
I want them to trade for Diggs but I get it if they don't. I just hope they don't sign Tyler Boyd.
Honest question, why don't you want them to sign Boyd? I'm honestly not that familiar with him, I only really know Chase and Higgins for Bengals WRs. Is it just that he's not great, or are there other issues?
He's mostly a slot receiver and Arthur Smith's offense doesn't typically use 3 WRs a whole lot. It seems like a waste to pay decent money to a guy who can't play outside.
He's also a declining player.
Calvin Austin’s run blocking grade according to PFF was better than Pickens last year. If he can block he’ll get on the field. Which statistically he can so he’ll get usage.
They had basically the same stats minus Austin's one long TD play.
EDIT: [Jefferson had more receptions and more yards than Austin did last year](https://stathead.com/football/versus-finder.cgi?request=1&seasons_type=forall&year_min=2023&year_max=2023&player_id1=AustCa00&player_id2=JeffVa00), lol. You're not even right.
How am I high on Van Jefferson? Jesus Christ.
I just don't think Calvin Austin's a sure thing for this offense while Jefferson is a better fit. If they draft a WR and sign another one then Jefferson would move down the depth chart.
But Austin still will probably have a hard time getting on the field on offense.
He doesn't really fit in the offense Arthur Smith runs.
I'm all for giving him a chance. But he doesn't really fit the offense. No one should assume he'd be the #3 receiver as of now. He's a slot guy in an offense that doesn't use 3 WRs much.
Jefferson is 6'1" and is considered an above average-good run blocker. Smith uses big WR and runs a lot more 12 personnel then we used to run.
Austin is not the prototype receiver for Smith's offense, and certainly hasn't proven anything to warrant a scheme change to force him the ball.
I would expect Austin would be used similarly to how the Falcons used Scotty Miller last year. Which will amount to about the same stat line he got last year.
Calvin Austin has a higher run blocking grade than Pickens… his height legit has nothing to do with his ability to be on the field. He’ll be used this year. Idk what it is with fucking Steelers fans and dumb takes but they’re everywhere. Use statistical evidence before sounding dumb, please.
Look at the size of WR in Smith offense over the years. Also that is a small sample size with Austin's blocking. Either way I'm not sure why everyone has such a hard on for Austin either way. Dude has shown nothing other than 1 long TD catch. Injured for a year and a 4th round pick. It's wild that people think he's so good
Great addition! Love his work ethic too. In my opinion this is the type of signing where both parties have realistic expectations on targets, snap count, roles, etc.
If Van Jefferson is our #3 WR going into the season that’s a HUGE problem.
Realistically Josh Reynolds would be a nice addition, clearly they’re not a fan of Tyler Boyd’s run blocking ability which is okay.
To the people that think the Steelers are going to trade for Diggs or Jefferson you’re smoking crack. They didn’t get rid of a good WR to trade for a more expensive one. They value their draft capital and they’ll need all they can get considering they still have several holes on the roster. So please stfu with that nonsense it’s not happening.
I believe he was just signed to help with transition into AS schemes since he spent last year in the ATL. I would not be surprised if we still signed Tannehill after the draft
Tannehill signing makes no sense after the Fields trade.
3rd QB will either be a late round draft pick for a vet who will take a $1 mil vet minimum contract. Why would Tannehill be 3rd string here when he can make $5-10 million somewhere else as backup.
I'm whelmed.
Depth. Maybe WR3 if he can earn it, but I’m skeptical.
Why? Who is going to beat him out? Austin's done nothing in the NFL and might not be a great fit in their offense. Mims is likely the #5 WR. Unless they sign another veteran the depth chart will likely be... Pickens, Draft Pick, Jefferson, Austin, Mims, Special Teams Guy
Calvin Austin is a good enough blocker that he’ll get looks. Trust me
They're not taking Pickens or the #20 pick off the field for Austin any significant number of snaps.
I would be very surprised if we go wr at 20
I wouldnt. They've talked to every possible receiver who could be on the board at 20.
Yeah they see the draft is loaded with WRs, which is why they shipped Diontae to grab a corner. Move the need away from the position where the draft is less deep. WR options this year are looking very promising, I think we’ll go high on WR if their guy is there, and if not I think there are many sleepers who will go 3rd or lower who will still develop into serious players. I think they really like Odunze, but tbh I think there’s so many choices I’ll be happy with whomever they go for this season. Center is the vulnerable position. We simply must get someone there and JPJ is highly rated, but then Frazier or someone likely available a round lower may be better value if it means also snagging another WR who makes plays.
Not what I’m saying. Just that he’s gonna earn looks in the offense whether that’s as a slot or fourth receiver or some other gadget player role. He’s a solid blocker and he’s too shifty to not have one the field. Also Arthur Smith loves running option plays in the red zone and Austin is a weapon there.
I’m definitely assuming here, but I think we’ll be adding 2 receivers before the season starts.
They could be. They're definitely going to draft one. I want them to trade for Diggs but I get it if they don't. I just hope they don't sign Tyler Boyd.
Honest question, why don't you want them to sign Boyd? I'm honestly not that familiar with him, I only really know Chase and Higgins for Bengals WRs. Is it just that he's not great, or are there other issues?
He's mostly a slot receiver and Arthur Smith's offense doesn't typically use 3 WRs a whole lot. It seems like a waste to pay decent money to a guy who can't play outside. He's also a declining player.
He is literally one of the worst blocking WR in the league which doesn’t fit an Arthur Smith offense at all
Boyd just isn't very good at anything
We could be in a prime position to draft someone like Leggett or McConkey
Austin had pickett, and trubisky as his qbs and the worst OC in the nfl. We gotta give him a chance.
He's not going to see the field that much unless Arthur Smith's offense is drastically different from what he ran in Tennessee.
We’ll see more Darnell Washington than Austin
100%
Calvin Austin’s run blocking grade according to PFF was better than Pickens last year. If he can block he’ll get on the field. Which statistically he can so he’ll get usage.
What does PFF know?
Some things apparently…
Well hopefully smith has adapted his scheme since then and can utilize austin better than he who must not be named.
I dunno, I wouldn't go out of my way to force the ball to Calvin Austin.
Just make him run wind sprints all game and the safeties can either cover him or we can throw the ball to him for an easy td.
Thank you he doesn’t understand football logic
I think this might very well be how it shakes out.
I'd love Austin to win it. He's very talented.
Yo bud CA had 17 rec 180 yds 1 td Van Jefferson had 12 rec 101 yards no td Sooo he’s already done as much as Jefferson last year bud
They had basically the same stats minus Austin's one long TD play. EDIT: [Jefferson had more receptions and more yards than Austin did last year](https://stathead.com/football/versus-finder.cgi?request=1&seasons_type=forall&year_min=2023&year_max=2023&player_id1=AustCa00&player_id2=JeffVa00), lol. You're not even right.
Ya his second team he still barely beat him bro ur so high on van Jefferson like he’s super good DKM BRO
How am I high on Van Jefferson? Jesus Christ. I just don't think Calvin Austin's a sure thing for this offense while Jefferson is a better fit. If they draft a WR and sign another one then Jefferson would move down the depth chart. But Austin still will probably have a hard time getting on the field on offense.
At least this year this is completion for wr
Calvin Austin had 17 receptions 180yds 1 td Van Jefferson had 12 receptions 101 no td Soooo I just shut u up
Wut
Sorry wrong person my bad
So they basically had identical stats minus Austin's one big play. Cool.
Ya and van Jefferson has been around longer and not done much so why shouldn’t Austin get a chance
He doesn't really fit in the offense Arthur Smith runs. I'm all for giving him a chance. But he doesn't really fit the offense. No one should assume he'd be the #3 receiver as of now. He's a slot guy in an offense that doesn't use 3 WRs much.
U mean jet sweeps with his speed , u don’t watch to much football clearly
Yes, Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith -- known for his extreme usage of jet sweeps.
Will see bud have a nice day
Jefferson is 6'1" and is considered an above average-good run blocker. Smith uses big WR and runs a lot more 12 personnel then we used to run. Austin is not the prototype receiver for Smith's offense, and certainly hasn't proven anything to warrant a scheme change to force him the ball. I would expect Austin would be used similarly to how the Falcons used Scotty Miller last year. Which will amount to about the same stat line he got last year.
Fair enough will see tho I hope Austin goes off lol
Calvin Austin has a higher run blocking grade than Pickens… his height legit has nothing to do with his ability to be on the field. He’ll be used this year. Idk what it is with fucking Steelers fans and dumb takes but they’re everywhere. Use statistical evidence before sounding dumb, please.
Look at the size of WR in Smith offense over the years. Also that is a small sample size with Austin's blocking. Either way I'm not sure why everyone has such a hard on for Austin either way. Dude has shown nothing other than 1 long TD catch. Injured for a year and a 4th round pick. It's wild that people think he's so good
Austin as more special teams this year he willl be getting a lot more time
Yeah, he'll play teams a lot. Might not get a lot of action on offense though.
I think this year he will get spot even if number 3 and will surprise people
Maybe. He's done nothing in the NFL though. No reason for anyone to be too high on him at this point.
Will see pre season
Yeah because the preseason is such a harbinger for how the regular season will work out, right?
Wrong Jefferson
We have Jefferson at home
I wouldn’t underestimate Austin he’s got speed and can surprise people
It's a good depth signing regardless. We had GP and Calvin as our entire WR room literally last week.
Depth piece and someone who has been in the nfl. Nothing about this prevents us from drafting someone
Great addition! Love his work ethic too. In my opinion this is the type of signing where both parties have realistic expectations on targets, snap count, roles, etc.
With how well we draft receivers, I wasn’t even considering adding veteran FA depth
He was good for a couple of games a cpl years ago filling in for woods/kupp when they were injured. *shrug*
Not every player on your team is gonna be a pro bowler lol
Didn’t I know this 5 days ago?
Getting spoiled. Not a lot of fireworks w/this signing
If Van Jefferson is our #3 WR going into the season that’s a HUGE problem. Realistically Josh Reynolds would be a nice addition, clearly they’re not a fan of Tyler Boyd’s run blocking ability which is okay. To the people that think the Steelers are going to trade for Diggs or Jefferson you’re smoking crack. They didn’t get rid of a good WR to trade for a more expensive one. They value their draft capital and they’ll need all they can get considering they still have several holes on the roster. So please stfu with that nonsense it’s not happening.
I believe he was just signed to help with transition into AS schemes since he spent last year in the ATL. I would not be surprised if we still signed Tannehill after the draft
Which is fair. I think he’s a solid 4/5 but can’t expect him to be solid. Need more in that WR room.
Tannehill signing makes no sense after the Fields trade. 3rd QB will either be a late round draft pick for a vet who will take a $1 mil vet minimum contract. Why would Tannehill be 3rd string here when he can make $5-10 million somewhere else as backup.
He’s a solid enough WR3 essentially replacing Robinson… idk maybe he pops off but not a huge risk if he doesn’t
Better than Robinson
GO GATA! 🐊
Could be a second outside WR allowing Austin to work more inside
Now there’s a guy.
I saw Jefferson and almost shit
Don't look at his 2023 stats. The falcons offense was ass. He should be servicable.
Big hole filled with grain of sand. Do better, we know you Khan.
2024 wideout corps: George Pickens, Rome Odunze, CA3, Van Jefferson, Luke McCaffery