When the offseason first started for the Los Angeles Rams, it was almost a foregone conclusion that flex back Tavon Austin was on his way out. Now it is looking as though he will be on the roster for the 2018 NFL season.
Los Angeles had been gauging offers for Austin for some time now. However, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, the Rams will be keeping him around after restructuring his deal for next year:
The Rams have restructured the contract for WR Tavon Austin, who was expected to be released or traded before Friday. He will remain with the team.
Rams trying to get something for Tavon Austin via trade. Unlikely much happens as other teams waiting for him to be cut…
The move is surprising, to say the least. Austin had signed a lucrative four-year $42 million deal prior to the 2016 NFL season. Needless to say, he has failed to live up to his contract. That said, it is reported that Austin is set to make $5 million in 2018 rather than the initial $8 million figure.
The speedy Austin was nothing more than a change-of-pace running back in the Rams’ offense last season. As a result, he only caught 13 passes for 47 yards while taking 59 carries for 270 yards. To make matters worse, he had his returning duties taken way after a couple of muffed punts early in the year.
However, Austin is likely back in the mix as a wide receiver once again. The departure of wideout Sammy Watkins leaves a bit of a void in the receiving corps. Although Austin is hardly the deep threat Watkins is, his game-changing speed is always an area of concern for opposing defenses. With wide receivers Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp likely serving as the starters on the outside next season, perhaps Austin can reclaim his role in the slot.
