Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Shows Big Concern With Calvin Austin: 'He Can Run Fast, Doesn't Make You A Great #2'

The Pittsburgh Steelers are going into the 2025 NFL season with the same concern as the 2024 campaign: who will step up and be the second option at wide receiver? Wide Receivers Coach Zach Azzanni officially named Calvin Austin III as the other starting wideout heading into training camp, but that doesn't mean he will have that job for all 17 games. Someone has to step up, whether it's him or Roman Wilson, or even Jonnu Smith in his ever-changing role. If not, the offense will likely continue to sputter, just like it did at the end of the 2024 season. 

Former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has those exact questions. While hosting his show, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, he detailed those concerns and explained his mindset on the whole situation.

"Who is number two? Is Calvin Austin your number two?" Roethlisberger asked. "No offense to Calvin Austin, I think he's a great football player, but just because he can run fast, doesn't make you a great number two. My concern is I feel like we've been talking about this for the last year or two. What happens if DK [Metcalf] -- pray not: Please, Lord Jesus, keep everyone healthy -- what happens if DK Metcalf goes down? We saw what happened last year when George Pickens went down. We had nothing, and DK is better than George Pickens."

DK Metcalf does make the Steelers' receiver room much better, as he is a direct upgrade to Pickens. However, the Steelers have serious question marks behind Metcalf in 2025. Robert Woods' spot on the roster is not 100% secure, and all the other offseason additions are mainly undrafted free agents (UDFAs) fighting for that final place on the 53-man roster.

Austin did have eight starts in 2024, where he racked up 36 receptions for 548 yards and four touchdowns in 17 games. He proved to be an explosive player with his speed and athleticism, but nothing consistent just yet. He will have to prove that he can be a quality route runner and get open more often. Drops have not been an issue for him at least, but that will be tested as he gets more reps. 

Steelers Are Still Likely Looking At Other Available Options

Roethlisberger continued on about his concerns with the receivers, obviously hoping for good things to happen with the position.

"I'm hoping that somebody comes out of that group (of UDFAs), but we don't know that. They don't know that. If something happens to DK, what happens?" Roethlisberger asked. "There's still a chance that they go get a two, or they'll keep believing in a little fast guy. Coach [Tomlin] loves the little fast guys."

The rumor mill has been running all offseason long about who Pittsburgh could bring in to help with the room. As of now, a trade seems more likely than signing a free agent, as there are a handful of players that quarterback Aaron Rodgers likes that may not be too happy with their current scenarios. Standing pat and trusting the process seems like a legitimate option too. Training camp will likely dictate how aggressive the Steelers are in negotiations moving forward.

Wilson has been getting first-team reps on offense, so he could make the Steelers wait and see what they have in him. Smith is also expected to play wideout, even though he is officially a tight end. Of course, the "little fast guy" Austin is still making his case for the starting rotation. That is the position group to watch throughout training camp.