Is Tavon Austin worth the money for the Rams?
Andrew KellyAugust 14, 2017
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cover32.com]
Tavon Austin has arguably been a bust throughout his time in the NFL. However, his big play ability in space is unquestioned, earning him a hefty four-year, $42 Million contract extension under the Jeff Fisher regime. That was just about one calendar year ago, however times change fast in the league.
Austin now finds himself plagued with a nagging hamstring injury that caused him to miss most of the offseason program. He now finds himself sitting on the depth chart below new addition Sammy Watkins. As well as free agent signee Robert Woods. Additionally, in the minds of most Rams fans, he sits below rookie Cooper Kupp. Kupp is incredibly versatile and possesses the potential to be the steal of the 2017 draft.
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It is unfair to say that the Rams must look to move Austin at this point. With that said, he will be on a short leash and thrust into a fierce competition for reps. Giving him an opportunity to truly prove that he is worth that contract he worked so hard to earn. Austin’s deal averages $10.5 Million/Year, According to Spotrac a new deal for number one wideout Sammy Watkins would cost just over $12 Million/Year.
Austin must quickly prove that he has the playmaking potential and the ability to be a difference maker for the Rams on a consistent basis. Something that he has shown glimpses of throughout his career. If this is not the case, coach Sean McVay and General Manager Les Snead will have no way to validate keeping Austin around.
Especially when looking to make room for a Watkins deal on the salary cap, the removal of Austin’s deal alone would clear most of the space. Austin will have the chance to prove his worth, but he must do so quickly. Austin is currently making top receiver money without contributing top receiver performance. Something has to give.
– Andrew Kelly is a Staff Writer for cover32/Rams and covers the Los Angeles Rams. Like and follow on
