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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PITTSBURGH — October 8, 2025 — Just hours after the Las Vegas Raiders poached linebacker Jon Rhattigan from their practice squad, the Pittsburgh Steelers responded swiftly by signing Eric Kendricks—a former Pro Bowler with 1,174 career tackles—to their practice squad. The move not only offsets the immediate personnel loss but also injects a seasoned defensive leader into the heart of the black-and-gold.
In his first comments, Kendricks explained his decision:“I turned down the Ravens as soon as I knew the Steelers were calling. The Raiders ‘stealing’ Rhattigan put Pittsburgh in a bind, and they showed me they value what I bring. Wearing Pittsburgh— even on the practice squad— is worth it. I believe my experience can help the front office and the team.”
Kendricks (33) was a 2015 second-round pick out of UCLA, establishing his name with the Minnesota Vikings (2015–2022) before stints with the Chargers (2023) and Cowboys (2024). His peak came in 2019, when he earned First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors—reflecting a complete skill set: zone-match diagnostics, precise hook/curl drops, sharp screen recognition, and, crucially, command of the front seven with the defensive green-dot. Beyond his 1,174 tackles, Kendricks has compiled 21.5 sacks, 11 interceptions, 60 passes defended, and 3 defensive touchdowns, underscoring value that exceeds a mere rotational plug-in.
Schematically, the Steelers can deploy Kendricks as an immediate stabilizer: tightening communication at the second level, serving as an on-field coordinator in high-leverage situations (third down, red zone), and contributing on special teams. If he acclimates quickly over the next few weeks, a path to gameday elevations—and potentially the 53-man roster—is very much on the table.
