When Sean McVay was hired prior to the 2017 NFL season, he had the monumental task of transforming a Los Angeles Rams offense that finished dead last in scoring during the 2016 NFL season. However, he exceeded even the more optimistic projections as he turned the Rams into an offensive juggernaut that led the league in scoring during the 2017 NFL campaign.
McVay’s scheme helped Jared Goff improve and look like a legitimate franchise quarterback while Todd Gurley had by far his best season of his career. With McVay now at the helm, Los Angeles will be a weekly threat to light up the scoreboard and blitz opponents with all the talent they possess.
Despite the team’s success, Tavon Austin saw his role dramatically diminish, often used as the backup running back as opposed to his natural position at wide receiver. The situation led many to believe that he would be cut following the season, but according to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN, it appears the receiver is staying put in Los Angeles:
The rest of Tavon Austin's contract will be eliminated. So now, basically, he's on a 1-year, $5M contract worth up to $8M in incentives. He will compete for a role as a wide receiver, with no promises.
— Alden Gonzalez (@Alden_Gonzalez) March 16, 2018
After failing to find a trade partner for Austin prior to the free agency period, the Rams bringing back Austin on a restructured deal makes sense given that cutting him would have still costed the front office the same amount of money. With Sammy Watkins signing a three-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, Austin will have a legitimate chance to earn a receiver role in the offense.
With Austin’s contract situation cleared up, general manager Les Snead and the rest of the front office can now attend to other issues like Aaron Donald’s contract extension. The Rams have been a busy organization and will continue to be as free agency continues and the 2018 NFL Draft comes around.
