Should I Start Calvin Austin III?

Thursday, May 28, 5:25 AM

Before signing a one-year deal with the New York Giants this offseason, wide receiver Calvin Austin III was able to provide the occasional spark across his three full-time seasons with the Steelers. His big-play ability contributed to four top-15 weekly fantasy finishes over the past two seasons, but his all-or-nothing nature made him a much more usable piece in best-ball formats than in lineup leagues. In signing with the Giants, he at least has a chance to produce more consistently if he can claim primary slot responsibilities in a top-heavy receiver room. Once healthy, the Giants' passing offense will run through 2024 first-round pick Malik Nabers, but with Wan'Dale Robinson's team-leading 140 targets from 2025 up for grabs, Austin has a chance to see a significant volume uptick. That said, new head coach John Harbaugh ran the league's run-heaviest offense over his final seasons in Baltimore, and his preference for a larger body in the slot was part of the reason he brought tight end Isaiah Likely with him to the Giants. Austin still profiles as a better-in-best-ball asset, but with enough moving pieces in New York to create usage ambiguity, he's at least worth a late-round dart throw in startup drafts as RotoBaller's dynasty WR133.