Upon Review: Grading the 2025 Steelers receiving group

Steel City Underground presents it’s ‘Upon Review’ series of Pittsburgh Steelers positional group grades for the 2025 NFL season with statistical analysis and performance reviews.

When the Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2025 season with hopes of reshaping their offense around veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers and a revamped receiving corps, all eyes were on receiver D.K. Metcalf. What followed was a season of bright – and a few not so bright – moments from a star, inconsistent production around him, and questions about depth that could carry into 2026.

D.K. Metcalf

Acquired in a high-profile trade from Seattle before the season, Metcalf mostly delivered as the Steelers’ WR1. Through the first quarter of the season, he led the team in yardage and quickly became Rodgers’ primary target, particularly on short and intermediate routes that showcased an improved yards-after-catch profile.

While his overall yardage totals did not reach the peak of his best seasons, Metcalf’s impact  anchored the Steelers’ aerial attack. His physical play and occasional deep-ball explosiveness were among the few consistent offensive strengths all year.

Had he not lost his cool and served a two-game suspension (final regular season games missed due to altercation with a fan), his numbers would have looked better and his contributions on the field could have greatly aided Pittsburgh in those tough matchups.

Grade: A-

Calvin Austin

Austin flashed early in the season, including a touchdown performance in the opener that hinted at a bigger role in 2025. But, after that strong start, Austin’s production dipped; he logged just six games with more than 30 receiving yards and limited involvement in crucial downs.

His ability to stretch defenses and open space for others was evident, but his inconsistent target share and injury absence in multiple games tempered what could have been a breakout. Rodgers also seemed to have trouble connecting with the speedy, but small, receiver. Whether it was a size, coverage, or communication issue never became clear.

Grade: B-

The remainder of the WR group

In his second NFL season, Roman Wilson showed developmental strides but hauled in a modest number of receptions and never emerged as a reliable option behind Metcalf or Austin. His rapport with Rodgers improved slightly later in the year, yet his overall usage remained limited.

Scotty Miller’s speed and quickness were assets in theory, but opportunities were rare. A minimal target share and limited catches reflected a season in which he served more as depth than as a go-to option.

A veteran presence with size and special teams value, Ben Skowronek carved out a role but never translated that into consistent offensive production. Used primarily in rotation and situational snaps, he offered occasional yardage but lacked the statistical impact to significantly influence games on offense.

The Steelers added veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the active roster in hopes of bolstering depth, although his impact on the stat sheet was limited. The team also briefly featured longtime NFL standout Adam Thielen, who signed mid-season. Thielen’s modest contributions (in limited snaps) were more about experience than offensive spark.

Saying this, Pittsburgh did not fully utilize their receivers as they have in the past. A combination of offensive scheme under Arthur Smith and adaptation to Rodgers’ style contributed to the position group often underperforming in several weeks.

Metcalf helped keep the passing game afloat, but injuries, under-utilization of secondary targets and a lack of a week-in, week-out No. 2 threat hampered offensive balance. The quick-passing style of Rogers favored tight end usage and incorporation of the running backs in the passing game to move the offense downfield, leaving wideouts waiting for deep shots that often didn’t materialize.

Position group grade: C+