Steelers Trade For $56 Million WR Amid Calvin Austin III Injury
Pittsburgh, PA — September 30, 2025 — The Pittsburgh Steelers have pulled off a timely trade for veteran wide receiver Curtis Samuel, valued at $56 million over his nine-year career, to bolster their receiving corps following Calvin Austin III's shoulder injury. The deal, reported by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, sends a third-round pick in 2026 to the Buffalo Bills, where Samuel had been a healthy scratch despite his $7.4 million salary for 2025.
Samuel, a second-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2017, steps in as Pittsburgh addresses a depth crisis. Austin, who suffered a shoulder ailment in Week 4's 24-21 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland, is expected to miss "several weeks," according to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac. Austin left the game in the fourth quarter and was seen with his arm in a sling, having posted 10 catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns through four games.
The Steelers (3-1) acted swiftly, recognizing Samuel's upside as a versatile slot receiver. In 2020 with Washington, Samuel exploded for a career-high 77 catches and 851 yards. Though his production dipped in 2024 (31 catches, 253 yards, 1 TD in 14 games), his experience opposite DK Metcalf could stabilize an offense averaging 212 passing yards per game. Aaron Rodgers, fresh off 510 career touchdowns, has relied on Metcalf (3 TDs, 150 yards) and Austin, but Roman Wilson (1 catch, 7 yards) and veterans Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek lack proven reliability.
"Samuel brings proven production and versatility we need right now," Steelers GM Omar Khan said. "With Austin sidelined, this move gives us balance and depth." The Bills, clearing cap space, parted with Samuel after he played just 20 offensive snaps in Week 4 against the Saints.
Pittsburgh's offense, hampered by injuries to Jonnu Smith (questionable), Jaylen Warren (questionable), and Max Scharping (out for season), gets a boost before the Week 5 bye. Samuel's addition could elevate a unit criticized by legend Bill Cowher for lacking identity, allowing Rodgers to exploit mismatches in the AFC North.
As the Steelers prepare for Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns, Samuel's arrival signals a proactive push for contention. Steelers Nation on X erupted: "Samuel to Pittsburgh? Game-changer!" The $56 million veteran, with four 600+ yard seasons, could be the spark to unlock Rodgers' arm.
Comments (0)
Loading comments...
May You Like
Steelers Part Ways With Former Super Bowl Champion Just Two Weeks After Signing
Oct 8, 2025•Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers Work Out Saints Superstar 5× Pro Bowler & 2× All-Pro — Pending Medical Evaluation
Oct 5, 2025•Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh, PA – A Hall of Fame legend from the Pittsburgh Steelers has shared a personal story that shocked fans, saying his marriage ended not because of football but because of housework.
The surprising revelation has stirred conversations across social media, with fans debating the balance between family life and career responsibilities for athletes.
That legend is Heath Miller, the tight end who defined the Steelers from 2005 to 2015.
Miller explained bluntly: “She wanted me to be both the financial provider and the one doing all the housework. Then she said modern women doing chores is oppression from the patriarchy? That makes no sense at all.”
For over a decade, he was Pittsburgh’s icon, finishing with 592 receptions, 6,569 yards, and 45 touchdowns, and earning a spot in the Steelers Hall of Honor.
Steelers fans remember him as a “hidden gem” of the franchise’s golden era, the man who turned tough games into unforgettable comebacks, including his clutch catches in Super Bowl XL and XLIII.
Now his off-field honesty has made headlines, with some fans defending his stance and others suggesting relationships demand compromise.
Even in retirement, Heath Miller continues to spark debate, showing that leadership and conviction remain part of his legacy.
