Tavon Austin’s NFL Career
Tavon Austin, a dynamic and versatile athlete, embarked on his NFL journey in 2013, showcasing his electrifying speed and agility on the field. His career, however, was marked by both moments of brilliance and challenges that ultimately shaped his time in the league.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career Timeline
Tavon Austin’s NFL career spanned eight seasons, during which he played for four different teams. His journey through the league is detailed below:
- 2013-2017: St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams: Drafted eighth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft, Austin began his career with the St. Louis Rams, who later relocated to Los Angeles. During his time with the Rams, he established himself as a dangerous offensive weapon, particularly as a return specialist. His most notable season came in 2014, where he recorded 89 receptions for 889 yards and five touchdowns. He also returned a punt for a touchdown that year.
- 2018: Dallas Cowboys: After four seasons with the Rams, Austin was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 2018. He played a limited role in the Cowboys’ offense, contributing primarily as a special teams player.
- 2019: San Francisco 49ers: Austin signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 2019, but his time with the team was short-lived. He was released before the start of the regular season.
- 2020: Buffalo Bills: In 2020, Austin signed with the Buffalo Bills. He played in only one game before being released in October.
Tavon Austin’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Austin’s unique blend of speed, agility, and elusiveness made him a threat to opposing defenses.
- Strengths:
- Exceptional Speed and Agility: Austin possessed remarkable speed and agility, which allowed him to make explosive plays both as a receiver and a return specialist. His quickness and change of direction made him a nightmare for defenders to cover.
- Elusive Running Style: Austin’s ability to make defenders miss in the open field was a key asset. His knack for finding creases and creating space allowed him to turn short gains into big plays.
- Big Play Potential: Austin’s speed and elusiveness made him a threat to score from anywhere on the field. He had the ability to break a big play at any moment.
- Return Specialist: Austin was a dynamic return specialist, capable of turning returns into touchdowns. His speed and vision allowed him to find open space and make big plays.
- Weaknesses:
- Size and Strength: Austin’s small stature and lack of strength limited his ability to win contested catches and break tackles in the open field.
- Route Running: Austin’s route running was not as polished as some other receivers, which could limit his effectiveness in certain offensive schemes.
- Durability: Injuries plagued Austin’s career, limiting his ability to consistently stay on the field.
Tavon Austin’s Injuries
Injuries were a significant factor in Austin’s career. Throughout his time in the NFL, he suffered various injuries, including:
- 2015: Austin missed four games with a sprained ankle.
- 2016: He missed the entire season after undergoing surgery on his left knee.
- 2017: Austin suffered a broken foot that limited him to eight games.
These injuries had a considerable impact on his performance and longevity in the league. They hampered his ability to maintain consistency and develop a more prominent role in the offense.
Tavon Austin’s Salary and Contract History
Tavon Austin’s NFL career was marked by flashes of brilliance, but he never quite lived up to the hype surrounding his selection as the eighth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. While his salary reflected his early promise, his later contracts reflected a decline in production and a shift in his role within the league.
Tavon Austin’s Annual Salaries, Tavon austin career earnings
Tavon Austin’s salary history provides a clear picture of his fluctuating value in the NFL. His initial contract, signed with the St. Louis Rams, was a four-year deal worth $14.2 million, including a $9.1 million signing bonus. This substantial investment reflected the high expectations placed upon him as a versatile offensive weapon.
- 2013: $2,087,120 (Rookie salary)
- 2014: $2,592,120
- 2015: $3,152,120
- 2016: $4,317,120
In 2017, Austin signed a four-year contract extension with the Rams worth $42 million, including $22 million guaranteed. This contract reflected his early success and the team’s belief in his potential. However, his production declined significantly in the following years, leading to a trade to the Dallas Cowboys in 2018.
- 2017: $8,500,000
- 2018: $10,000,000
The Cowboys signed Austin to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million in 2019, a significant drop from his previous deals. This contract reflected his diminished role as a return specialist and the team’s desire to evaluate his fit in their offense.
- 2019: $1,500,000
Tavon Austin’s Salary Compared to Other Players
Comparing Tavon Austin’s salary to other players at his position and in the league overall provides further insight into his career trajectory. During his peak years, Austin’s salary was comparable to other established wide receivers and running backs. However, as his production declined, his salary became more in line with that of specialized return specialists or players with limited offensive roles.
Factors Influencing Tavon Austin’s Contract Negotiations
Several factors influenced Tavon Austin’s contract negotiations and salary structure.
- Draft Position: Being selected eighth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft established a high baseline for Austin’s initial contract. Teams often invest heavily in early-round picks, hoping to find future stars.
- Early Success: Austin’s initial production as a rookie and his ability to contribute as a receiver, running back, and return specialist justified his early salary and led to his contract extension.
- Decline in Production: Austin’s production declined significantly after his initial success, particularly in the receiving game. This decline contributed to his reduced salary in later contracts.
- Shifting Role: As Austin’s role transitioned from a multi-faceted offensive weapon to primarily a return specialist, his value to teams decreased, leading to lower salaries.
- Market Value: The overall market for players at Austin’s position and with his skill set also influenced his contract negotiations. The league’s emphasis on versatile players and the availability of other players with similar skills played a role in his salary.
Tavon Austin’s Impact and Legacy: Tavon Austin Career Earnings
Tavon Austin, a dynamic and versatile player, left a lasting mark on the NFL during his eight-year career. While his career didn’t reach the heights some anticipated, he showcased unique skills and provided valuable contributions to the teams he played for. Austin’s impact can be analyzed by examining his contributions to specific teams and comparing his career trajectory to other players with similar skill sets.
Tavon Austin’s Contributions to Teams
Austin’s primary impact was felt during his time with the St. Louis Rams, where he was selected eighth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft. His electrifying speed and agility made him a dangerous weapon in the return game and a threat in the offensive scheme. He holds the Rams franchise record for the most punt return touchdowns (3). While his offensive production wasn’t always consistent, his ability to create explosive plays and stretch the field provided a valuable dimension to the Rams’ offense.
Tavon Austin’s Career Compared to Similar Players
Austin’s career can be compared to other players with similar skill sets and draft positions, such as Percy Harvin and Devin Hester. While all three players were known for their exceptional speed and athleticism, their careers took different paths. Harvin, a multi-faceted offensive threat, achieved greater consistency and success, while Hester primarily excelled as a return specialist. Austin’s career, characterized by flashes of brilliance and inconsistency, ultimately fell short of the expectations set by his draft position and skill set.
Tavon Austin’s Career Highlights
Year | Team | Highlight |
---|---|---|
2013 | St. Louis Rams | Set a Rams franchise record with 3 punt return touchdowns. |
2014 | St. Louis Rams | Recorded a 98-yard kickoff return touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals. |
2015 | St. Louis Rams | Caught a 71-yard touchdown pass against the Seattle Seahawks. |
2017 | Dallas Cowboys | Caught a 64-yard touchdown pass against the Atlanta Falcons. |
Tavon austin career earnings – Tavon Austin’s career earnings reflect his time as a dynamic playmaker in the NFL, though his journey was marked by both brilliance and injuries. While his on-field performance often stole the spotlight, fans can get a glimpse into his life off the field by checking out tavon austin instagram.
It’s there that you might find him showcasing his passions, whether it’s fashion, family, or just enjoying life after football. Ultimately, Austin’s career earnings, though impressive, are just one piece of his story, a story that continues to unfold both on and off the field.