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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Kansas City, Missouri – November 22, 2025
Tomorrow at Arrowhead, Jaylen Watson will step onto the field wearing his “My Cause My Cleats” – a pair of shoes that represent not only the Kansas City Chiefs’ playoff hopes, but also a story that has brought the entire Chiefs Nation to tears. Beneath the paint and the designs lies the love of a nephew for his beloved aunt who has Down syndrome – the woman who has profoundly shaped Watson since childhood.
Watson shared that his aunt was the first person in his family with Down syndrome, and she was the one who taught him patience, kindness, and the spirit of overcoming hardship. His family took turns caring for her for many years, especially after their grandmother passed away. Therefore, these cleats are not just participation in the campaign – they are a deeply personal and heartfelt tribute to one of the most important people in his life.
Speaking about the gesture, Watson said with visible emotion: “I just want to bring my aunt’s story closer to the world. She has always been the softest, brightest light in our family. If these cleats help even one person understand more, love more, or open their heart more to people like her, then that is the greatest gift I could ever give her.” Those words spread quickly and touched the hearts of the entire Chiefs community.
Watson chose Best Buddies Missouri as the organization he is supporting – a nonprofit that helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities integrate into the community. His cleats will be designed around the organization’s theme, and immediately after the Colts game, they will be auctioned off to raise funds. This year’s campaign sees more than 1,800 participants across the NFL, including Mahomes, Kelce, and Chris Jones from Kansas City, each carrying their own meaningful messages.
Jaylen Watson, 27 years old and in his fourth season with the Chiefs, is best known for his legendary 99-yard pick-six as a rookie. A player who is always humble, puts his teammates first, and lives the family spirit that the Chiefs stand for. Tomorrow, the story behind his cleats is not just a charity moment – it is a reminder that behind every jersey is a heart that knows how to love, and a team bound together by something far greater than football.
