The Rams will retain wide receiver Tavon Austin following a contract restructure, according to Vincent Bonsignore of the Los Angeles Daily News (Twitter link). Although Los Angeles had reportedly been set on trading or releasing Austin, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reported (via Twitter) the club was “intent” on keeping the small-statured wideout.
The Rams could have released Austin immediately and save $3MM against their salary cap, although they would’ve incurred $5MM in dead money. Austin would have seen his $3MM base salary become fully guaranteed on Friday, setting a deadline for a potential transaction.
That $3MM figure is now attainable through incentives, tweets Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.com, but those incentives appear to be classified as “likely to be earned,” per Bonsignore (Twitter link). As such, the Rams aren’t likely to see any cap relief in 2018, although they could get a credit in 2019.
Despite the Rams reigniting their offense under Sean McVay after finishing as the league’s worst passing attack a year earlier, Austin managed just 13 receptions for 47 yards last season. However, the gadget weapon did rush for 270 yards and a score.
Los Angeles lost pass-catcher Sammy Watkins to the Chiefs on Wednesday, and while Austin could conceivably help replace Watkins, the Rams are likely to turn to fellow wideouts Josh Reynolnds and Mike Thomas, instead.
Well they better learn how to use him because he lost the job as kick returner. With that speed I don’t see why he can’t fit into this offense. Fisher ruined him.
Fisher ruined him? Dude can’t play WR at this level. No shame in being a Dante Hall like player, but let’s not pretend Fisher has anything to do with Austin’s inability to be effective as a pass catcher.
I disagree, he can be an effective weapon if used right! Fisher always said “if you throw him the ball 16 times, he’ll catch at least 8 of them”
Glad to hear this. Even as a decoy Austin has value. Teams need to pay attention to him Still 50 million in cap space so significant moves yet to be made.