Giants signing Calvin Austin III in much-needed boost to wide receiver group

It is no secret the Giants need to add to their wide receiver room. 

They did that Thursday, agreeing to terms with Calvin Austin III, who spent the past four years with the Steelers.

Austin received a one-year contract for $1.5 million — $200,000 in guaranteed money — with incentives that can boost the deal to $4.5 million.

Austin, 26, is small, quick and adds value as a punt returner. He was a 2022 fourth-round pick out of Memphis and did not play as a rookie because of a foot injury.

In the past three seasons, the 5-foot-9, 162-pound Austin played in 48 games (16 starts) and totaled 84 receptions for 1,110 yards and eight touchdowns.

In 2025, he had 31 catches for 372 yards and three TDs.

As a punt returner, Austin has averaged 8.9 yards on 72 returns with one touchdown.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) completes a reception for a touchdown on Sunday, September 7, 2025 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. Robert Sabo for NY Post

The only receiver the Giants signed in free agency was one of their own, bringing back Isaiah Hodgins on a one-year deal.

They tried to retain Wan’Dale Robinson but anticipated they would be outbid by the Titans, with the Giants’ former head coach, Brian Daboll, hired as the offensive coordinator in Tennessee.

Robinson hit big, with a four-year deal for $78 million.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) goes for a catch during the NFL playoffs. Robert Sabo for NY Post

The expectation is that No. 1 receiver Malik Nabers will be fully recovered from ACL surgery well in advance of the regular season. Darius Slayton also returns, coming off a subpar seventh season with the Giants.