Steelers Urged to Pursue $20 Million WR With Calvin Austin III Still Sidelined
Pundits have generally linked the Pittsburgh Steelers to the same wide receivers on the trade market over the past several months. Steelers Depot’s Alex Kozora attempted to break the mold and name a different candidate. One of his targets for the team was veteran wideout Josh Reynolds.
Kozora referred to Reynolds as the “other, other Jets wide receiver” since he’s No. 3 behind Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard. Experts have linked the latter to the Steelers through trade rumors. But Kozora made an argument for Reynolds on Sunday.
“Reynolds has size and big-play ability. It hasn’t been shown in New York this season because of the Jets’ terrible quarterback play, but Reynolds has a career 13.3 yards per catch average. That number sat around or above 15 yards in 2023 and 2024,” wrote Kozora.
“The Jets are obvious sellers and Reynolds is arguably the better player than Lazard, though he doesn’t have the built-in background with Aaron Rodgers like Lazard does. Reynolds is owed just a $1.5 million base salary, meaning the Steelers would pay about half of that if acquired.
“A pittance to them.”
Reynolds is averaging 9.2 yards per catch with the New York Jets this season. But as Kozora mentioned, the 30-year-old has been a big-play threat most of his career.
The 2023 season was arguably his best. While playing with the Detroit Lions, Reynolds registered 608 receiving yards on just 40 catches with five touchdowns. He averaged 15.2 yards per reception.
Over his nine-year career, Reynolds has earned just under $20 million.
Kozora named Reynolds a trade target for the Steelers with Calvin Austin III still out. The Pittsburgh starting wideout has missed the past two games with a shoulder injury.
Although not on injured reserve, Austin’s status for Week 8 remains unclear.
How Josh Reynolds Could Fit With Steelers
The Steelers already have a big and fast veteran wideout who can stretch the field for Arthur Smith’s offense (DK Metcalf). But as it’s currently constructed, the team’s passing game features tight ends as much as any in the league.
So, the Steelers might not pigeon-hole themselves into acquiring a possession, chain-moving receiver. Naturally, that kind of wideout would fit best opposite Metcalf.
But tight ends Darnell Washington, Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith and Connor Heyward already fill that role. So another weapon to stretch the field might be a better fit.
Austin is a big-play receiver himself. Last season, he averaged 15.2 yards per reception. But Austin doesn’t have Reynolds’ size.
Reynolds stands at 6-foot-3 while Austin is 5-foot-9.
Kozora made a clear argument for why the Jets should be willing to part with Reynolds. He has an expiring contract on a team who could be eliminated from playoff contention before Thanksgiving.
However, Reynolds would likely be inexpensive for the Steelers to acquire. He would also cost little money.
Reynolds could provide the much-needed receiver depth the Steelers need. The veteran, though, wouldn’t have to play in front of Austin (when he returns) or youngster Roman Wilson. If those two receivers continue to develop, then Reynolds could simply be cheap insurance.
But if Austin remains out and Wilson doesn’t earn a bigger role, Reynolds could fill a key hole in the Steelers offense.
When Will Calvin Austin III Return for Pittsburgh?
The Steelers should arguably acquire a receiver whether or not Austin returns from his shoulder injury in Week 8. But if Austin remains out, then there should be more urgency for general manager Omar Khan to make an addition.
Reading between the lines, Austin’s return will happen sooner rather than later. If the Steelers projected the fourth-year receiver to miss at least four games, then the team should have placed him on injured reserve two weeks ago.
But that didn’t happen. That likely means the Steelers expect Austin to return by Week 9 on November 2.
There hasn’t been a clear update on Austin’s status, though, since the team played its last game Thursday. Head coach Mike Tomlin could have an update when he addresses the media Tuesday.
In four games this season, Austin has 10 catches for 139 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
BREAKING NEWS: Jared Goff Signs Historic $35 Million Endorsement Deal with Michael Jordan, Bringing Air Jordan to the NFL
In a move that is sending shockwaves through the sports and fashion industries, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has secured a monumental $35 million endorsement deal with basketball legend Michael Jordan. Goff will now serve as the face of the all-new Air Jordan campaign, marking a groundbreaking collaboration that bridges the gap between football and basketball and sets the stage for a new era in athlete-driven fashion.
The announcement has reverberated through both the NFL and NBA communities, as Goff, the leader of the Detroit Lions, joins forces with the greatest basketball player to ever play the game. This partnership is not just about an endorsement; it’s about merging two legacies of excellence, combining Goff’s poised leadership on the field with Jordan’s global influence and unparalleled brand power. “Greatness recognizes greatness,” Goff said in his announcement. “This partnership is more than just business; it’s about making a mark on sports and culture, and inspiring the next generation of athletes to believe in themselves both on and off the field.”
Jared Goff, known for his calm demeanor, sharp decision-making, and leadership ability, has been a crucial player in the Lions’ resurgence. After an impressive career with the Los Angeles Rams, Goff has firmly established himself as the centerpiece of Detroit’s offense, and now, with this historic endorsement, he’s ready to take his talents off the field and into the world of high fashion. His steady rise to stardom on the gridiron makes him the perfect fit for the Air Jordan brand, which is built on the values of excellence, style, and influence.
The $35 million deal will see the creation of a special edition line of Air Jordan sneakers designed with Goff’s unique playing style and personality in mind. The first sneakers from the collection are set to be released in 2026, and fans, sneakerheads, and football enthusiasts are already eagerly awaiting the launch. These sneakers will likely fuse Goff’s precise, methodical approach to the game with Jordan’s bold, innovative design, making them a must-have for both sports fans and fashion lovers.
This deal marks a major milestone for both Goff and the Air Jordan brand. For Goff, it represents an opportunity to elevate his influence beyond the football field and enter the realm of global sports culture, following in the footsteps of athletes who have transcended their sports. For Air Jordan, it’s a chance to continue expanding its legacy, now reaching into the NFL, a space that has long been dominated by football-specific brands. This partnership is poised to change the way athletes are seen in the world of fashion, proving that greatness can resonate across sports.
For Goff, this partnership is not only a financial triumph but a chance to leave a lasting imprint on both the sports and fashion industries. As the Detroit Lions aim for success in the years to come, Goff’s off-field collaboration with Air Jordan will elevate his personal brand, aligning him with one of the most iconic names in sports history.
With this $35 million endorsement, Jared Goff is set to change the game not just on the field, but in the world of athlete-driven marketing. The release of his Air Jordan collection will signal a new era for football players in the fashion world, as Goff’s leadership and style take center stage alongside Michael Jordan’s legendary legacy. Fans and sneaker enthusiasts alike will be watching closely as this powerful collaboration unfolds, marking the beginning of a new era in the intersection of sports and fashion.
