The Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver Calvin Austin III is poised to seize a larger role within the team's offense following the departure of Diontae Johnson, according to recent reports. Austin, who missed his entire rookie season due to a foot injury, faced an uphill battle to establish himself within the offense. However, Johnson's trade to the Carolina Panthers opens the door for Austin to emerge as a key contributor in the upcoming season.

During the 2023 season, Austin played in only 34.9 percent of the Steelers' total offensive snaps. Undeniably, Johnson's presence and contractual obligations limited Austin's opportunities to showcase his skills. However, when Johnson was sidelined with a hamstring injury for four weeks, Austin demonstrated his potential. In those games, he consistently played 30 or more snaps, reaching a peak of 53 snaps in Week 4 against the Houston Texans. Throughout this period, Austin recorded 12 receptions on 22 targets for 143 yards and scored one touchdown.

Upon Johnson's return, Austin's involvement in the offense decreased significantly. He was targeted only eight more times for the remainder of the season and never played more than 20 snaps in a single game. Additionally, the presence of Allen Robinson II on the roster also played a role in limiting Austin's playing time. However, Robinson was released by the team on March 8, creating additional opportunities for Austin to make his mark.

Heading into the 2023 season, quarterback Kenny Pickett expressed confidence in Austin's ability to assume a significant role within the offense. The acquisition of quarterback Russell Wilson further bolsters Austin's prospects. Known for his accuracy and deep ball prowess, Wilson possesses the skill set to effectively utilize the speed and talent of receivers like Austin and George Pickens.

Pickett's deep ball abilities towards the end of the 2023 season showcased the potential for an explosive offense. With Wilson's arrival, the Steelers can expect a similar impact as he possesses tremendous accuracy and threw 27 big-time passes last season. This proficiency in throwing the deep ball aligns well with Austin's skill set and highlights the potential for a dynamic connection between the two.

While the possibility of the Steelers drafting a wide receiver early in the upcoming draft remains, Austin's experience and time spent refining his abilities on the sidelines provide him with a valuable advantage. With a 4.32-second 40-yard dash time, Austin has the speed to create separation and make explosive plays downfield.

As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on Calvin Austin III as he looks to solidify his place within the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense. With the departure of Diontae Johnson and the addition of Russell Wilson, the stage is set for Austin to thrive and unleash his full potential.