The New York Giants have signed wide receiver Calvin Austin III to a one-year, deal with a maximum value of $4.5 million, per his agents.
Austin, 26, was a fourth round pick (138th overall) out of Memphis by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2022 NFL Draft. While an undersized receiver at 5-foot 7 3/4 inches tall, 170 pounds, Austin is highly athletic with rare explosive traits.
Austin’s 4.32-second 40-yard dash is blazing, but his 1.44-second 10-yard split, 39-inch vertical, and 11-foot-3 broad jump are legitimately rare. And unlike many speedsters, Austin also has excellent agility and movement skills as well.
Austin has appeared in 48 games for the Steelers with 16 starts over the last three years. He’s caught 67 passes over the last two years, for 920 yards and 7 touchdowns to just 5 drops. Austin must have stuck in John Harbaugh’s memory, as he scored the game-winning touchdown in his last game as the Baltimore Ravens’ head coach.
What it means for the Giants
Austin doesn’t solve the Giants’ need at wide receiver all by himself, however he does fill the hole at slot receiver left by Wan’Dale Robinson. Austin also gives the Giants another true speed threat that they can use to help stretch the field and either punish defenses for stacking the box to defend the run or force light boxes.
Austin is also an experienced punt returner with 72 career returns, including a touchdown against the Giants in 2024.
The Giants likely still need to find a starting caliber outside receiver to play across from Malik Nabers, but this is a high-upside move that gives the Giants’ offense another big play threat.
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