Steelers Can Find Calvin Austin's Replacement In The Late Rounds: "Immediate Value As A Returner"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been mocked to take a wide receiver and sometimes even multiple in the 2026 NFL Draft. With the front office's abundance of picks (12), there is a good chance that a pass-catcher will be selected by Pittsburgh. Whether that be within the first round or two, or even in the mid-to-late rounds, the offense could afford to add another weapon. The Steelers' number two receiver of 2025, Calvin Austin III, left the team in free agency and is now a member of the New York Giants, leaving a hole at slot receiver and returner in the Steel City.

Austin served as an important piece of the Steelers' offense throughout his time in Pittsburgh. He provided the offense with lightning-quick speed and excelled on go balls. Now, it isn't entirely certain who the team's slot receiver will be in 2026, with Roman Wilson being the name that has been speculated there most. A rookie definitely has a chance to play a part in that role too, if the front office wants to go that direction. The Steelers brass has plenty of draft capital to maybe double-dip at the position and provide competition for the spot. 

On a recent episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, Steelers beat writer Ray Fittipaldo spoke about a potential draft pick that could provide similar qualities to Austin. He could be chosen in the later rounds of the draft. The pick is Kaden Wetjen out of the University of Iowa. 

"They need returners as well. You know, they lost a lot of the returners to free agency, Calvin Austin obviously being the punt returner. Wetjen is a guy I think you can get on Day 3 and would certainly fill a need as both a returner and a guy who could work in the slot," Fittipaldo said. 

Wetjen is 5'9", just like Austin, and his build provides familiarity. He proved himself as one of the best returners in the country in 2025, even winning the Jet Award for the nation's top returner.  He led the FBS with 1,039 combined return yards and 26.8 yards per punt return, ranked second with 29.8 yards per kick return, and tied for the FBS lead with three punt return TDs. Wetjen set an Iowa school record with six career combined return touchdowns. 

According to NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein, he could be a capable threat not just in the return game, but within the right offensive system as well. 

"He can handle pitch plays and swing passes from the backfield, or shallow crossers and over routes as a slot receiver. Wetjen offers immediate value as a returner, while a crafty play-caller is likely to install packaged plays for him each week," Zierlein wrote.

With new head coach Mike McCarthy's system, Wetjen could find a home not just as a returner, but as a creative weapon. His cost wouldn't be high, and the Steelers have plenty of picks to go get him. If the Steelers want a capable kick and punt returner, he would be the perfect pick for them. 

The Steelers lost both of their main returners from 2025, Austin and Kenneth Gainwell. Special teams needs to get a clear-cut returner under order, and spending a Day 3 pick on an established, young player like Wetjen would be smart. 

Steelers Need To Add Multiple Receiver Archetypes

The Steelers now have two big-bodied receivers at their top two spots: DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. A smart utilization of their draft picks and obvious need at receiver is getting a playmaker who excels after the catch or in the slot. Having multiple weapons that are capable of many things would allow the offense to run like a well-oiled machine. The Steelers have been speculated to have interest in Omar Cooper Jr. to potentially fill the slot role as well.

The Steelers will have multiple chances to add playmakers and could add more than one, like Cooper or Wetjen. However, adding someone who differs from Pittman and Metcalf in skill set should be a priority. 

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