Steelers Floated as Potential Suitor for $56 Million WR Amid Calvin Austin III Injury
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ESPN's Jeremy Fowler suggested the Pittsburgh Steelers could pursue Buffalo Bills wideout Curtis Samuel on the NFL trade market.
Veteran wide receiver Curtis Samuel played in just his first game of the 2025 NFL season for the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. He appeared on the field for 20 offensive snaps and five special teams snaps during the Week 4 matchup versus the New Orleans Saints.
Samuel could have a much greater opportunity for more playing time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. For that reason, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler suggested the possibility of the Steelers pursuing a trade for Samuel before the NFL trade deadline.
“The Steelers could have one more move in them, and I’d be willing to bet they’d at least have a conversation on Tyreek Hill if Miami engaged,” Fowler wrote. “Curtis Samuel is also a healthy scratch in Buffalo despite making $7.4 million this season.”
Pundits have previously linked the Steelers to Hill. However, the Miami Dolphins receiver suffered a dislocated knee on Monday Night Football in Week 4.
If the Steelers are going to acquire a wideout before the trade deadline, they will have to pursue other possibilities. Samuel is one of the more intriguing ones potential available.
According to Spotrac, Samuel has earned about $56.9 million in his nine-year NFL career.
Calvin Austin III Injury Could Gives Steelers Urgency to Add WR
Fowler made his argument about Samuel as a Steelers target last Wednesday. So, Fowler didn’t loosely connect Samuel to Pittsburgh because of Calvin Austin’s injury.
Austin suffered a shoulder ailment during Week 4 in Dublin. He left in the fourth quarter and received treatment at the hospital in Ireland.
But while Fowler didn’t name Samuel a replacement for Austin, the Steelers’ need for a receiver only increases if Austin has to miss time. According to The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac, that’s likely to happen.
On Monday, Dulac reported Austin will miss “several weeks” because of his should injury. ESPN’s Brooke Pryor reported Sunday that she saw Austin’s arm in a sling after the victory against the Minnesota Vikings.
Austin has 10 of the last 11 games for the Steelers, including the playoffs, dating back to last season. In four contests this year, Austin has posted 10 catches, 139 yards and two touchdowns.
The 26-year-old averaged 15.2 yards per catch with 26 receptions and 548 receiving yards during 2024.
What WR Curtis Samuel Could Bring Steelers
Samuel never really lived up to his second-round billing. The Carolina Panthers selected him at No. 40 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft.
But Samuel has put together a decent NFL campaign over nine seasons. He’s eclipsed the 600-yards mark four times. In 2020, he registered a career-high 77 catches for 851 receiving yards.
He’s not likely to return to the production he had five years ago. In 2024, Samuel 31 catches for 253 yards and a touchdown in 14 games.
This season, he has one catch for nine yards in his infrequent playing time.
But with Samuel, the Steelers would be adding a proven commodity with some upside.
Behind Austin on their current depth chart, the Steelers have the inexperienced Roman Wilson and veterans Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek. None of those three inspire a lot of confidence as a starter opposite DK Metcalf.
Samuel isn’t necessarily a great option either. But he could help replace Austin until the starter returns.
Kevin O’Connell Shares Update on J.J. McCarthy’s Condition Ahead of London Game
Kevin O’Connell
“We’re keeping a close eye on J.J.,” O’Connell said. “His health is our top priority. We want to make sure he’s fully prepared before stepping onto the field. He’s progressing well, but we’re being cautious and taking all the necessary steps to ensure he’s ready to play at his best.”
O’Connell also addressed the status of other injured players, including McCarthy, Van Ginkel, O’Neill, and others, noting that the team is working diligently with medical staff to manage recovery and rehabilitation.
O’Connell’s Perspective: ‘Patient and Methodical Approach’
O’Connell emphasized the importance of patience in handling injuries, particularly for key contributors like McCarthy. “We’re taking a methodical approach,” he said. “It’s not just about getting players back on the field—it’s about making sure they’re healthy and ready to compete at a high level. That’s especially true for J.J., given his role in our offense.”
The Vikings are committed to balancing player safety with competitive readiness, ensuring that every decision prioritizes long-term success and the well-being of the athletes.
Looking Ahead: ‘Focused on Preparation and Recovery’
As the Vikings prepare for their London matchup, O’Connell remains focused on maintaining team performance while monitoring injuries. “We’re working hard on preparation, and we’re keeping a close watch on J.J. and the rest of the roster,” O’Connell said. “Our goal is to be fully ready and give ourselves the best chance to succeed while ensuring everyone’s health comes first.”
Fans can expect continued updates as McCarthy and other players progress through recovery, with O’Connell committed to transparency and team-first decision-making.
