Steelers A to Z: Veteran WR Marquez Callaway looking to get career back on track

Editor’s note: From now until the first practice of training camp at Saint Vincent College, TribLive is running through the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 90-man roster, looking at each player and assessing his outlook for the 2024 season. The breakdown will run in alphabetical order with at least two players each day between June 14 and July 25. Contract data courtesy spotrac.com.

WR Marquez Callaway

Experience/age: 5th season/26 years old

Contract status: Signed for the $1.125 veteran minimum, but the Steelers will incur a lowered $985,000 cap hit if he makes the team.

The past: Callaway’s career hit a road block last year when he exited the New Orleans Saints following three seasons. He followed coach Sean Payton to Denver, but he was cut at the end of training camp. After spending a few weeks on the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad, he was released and eventually re-upped with the Saints.

Callaway appeared in three games in December – as a practice squad elevation — but was not targeted with a pass on any of the 28 snaps he played. He returned to the practice squad and signed a reserve/futures contract with the Steelers in January.

Callaway wouldn’t mind turning back the clock to 2021 when he had 46 catches for 698 yards and five touchdowns in his second year with the Saints. He made 11 of his 17 career NFL starts that season. His numbers dipped to 16 catches, 158 yards and one touchdown in 2022, which contributed to his departure to Denver.

Why do the Steelers need Ayuik when Marquez Callaway can basically steal targets from Pickens? pic.twitter.com/IlpAlMveK2 https://t.co/SeH8iUI9gu

— Paul Booming (@blakebooming) March 19, 2024

2024 outlook: Opportunity exists with the Steelers, who lack a true No. 2 wide receiver to play alongside starter George Pickens. Callaway is 6-foot-2, 204 pounds, giving him the type of frame to play outside, although he can play in the slot.

Callaway was one of several veteran receivers added at a low base salary in the offseason. He’ll provide competition among a group that includes Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins and Scotty Miller.

Callaway’s special teams experience is limited, and he may need to carve a role there to give him an edge on earning a spot on the 53-man roster.