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.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers have made another surprising roster move ahead of Week 6, parting ways with a veteran defender barely two weeks after signing him. The move comes as the team officially adds running back and return specialist Raheem Blackshear to the practice squad.
The player released was linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley, a seasoned interior tackler who brought championship pedigree and leadership to the locker room. His release was confirmed Tuesday through the team’s official social media channels.
Bentley, 28, had spent his entire career with the New England Patriots before arriving in Pittsburgh in mid-September. Over 85 career games and two playoff appearances, he recorded more than 510 total tackles , 10+ sacks, two interceptions, and four forced fumbles. He also earned a Super Bowl ring as a rookie during the 2018–19 season, the final championship run of Tom Brady in New England.
When Pittsburgh brought him in, many expected Bentley to fill the role once held by fellow former Patriot Elandon Roberts, who departed in free agency. With Malik Harrison sidelined, Bentley was seen as a smart veteran addition to stabilize the middle of the defense.
However, his stint was short-lived. Despite his experience and physicality, Bentley reportedly failed to make a strong impression during practice sessions, prompting the coaching staff to explore other options.
The Steelers remain confident in their current linebacker corps, led by Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, and rookie Carson Bruener. Jon Rhattigan continues to provide depth from the practice squad.
Now sitting 3–1 and leading the AFC North, the Steelers are focusing on maintaining flexibility as injuries emerge elsewhere on the roster. For Bentley, the move marks yet another unexpected turn — from signing with a contender to being released — all within the span of two weeks.
