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 are adding speed and experience to their return unit ahead of Week 6, signing veteran running back and return specialist Raheem Blackshear to the practice squad — a move that could pay off immediately on special teams.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the signing became official Monday, giving Pittsburgh one of the league’s most efficient returners. During his tenure with the Carolina Panthers (2022–2024), Blackshear averaged an elite 30.4 yards per kick return, ranking among the top marks in the NFL over that span.
Source: https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1975269946805657996
Blackshear’s proven ability to flip field position could be a game-changer for a Steelers team still searching for stability in the return game. Rookie Kaleb Johnson struggled early, averaging just 23.8 yards per return and losing a costly fumble. Veterans Kenneth Gainwell and Trey Sermon were serviceable, averaging 25.8 and 25.5 yards respectively — but both are now more involved in the offensive rotation.
Beyond kickoff returns, Blackshear also brings punt return experience, logging 23 career punt returns with an average of 8.7 yards and a long of 21 yards. His versatility could prove valuable as Calvin Austin III continues to recover from injury.
This marks the Steelers’ second practice squad signing on October 6, further reinforcing roster depth before hosting the Cleveland Browns in a key AFC North showdown.
Meanwhile, the team remains cautious with cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and edge rusher Alex Highsmith, both working through minor injuries but expected to practice later in the week.
For now, all eyes are on Blackshear — whose elite return numbers could soon translate into another hidden weapon for head coach Mike Tomlin. With Pittsburgh emerging from the bye week atop the AFC North, the addition of a proven field flipper could make all the difference in the games ahead.
