FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to a one-year deal with wide receiver Tavon Austin. The 27-year-old will likely share responsibilities in the slot with teammate Allen Hurns, with Cole Beasley out of the picture. No.10 split special team duties with Beasley in 2018 as part of the punt return core, now the role will fall back to Austin.
In 2018, the dynamic player amassed eight receptions for 140 yards, a 17.5 average after the catch, and two touchdowns; including a 64-yard TD catch against the Giants in week two. He attained six rushing attempts for 55 rushing yards, and a 9.2 average per carry. On special teams, 10 returns for 58 return yards, and a 5.8 average.
Austin played in seven total games in 2018 due to a right groin injury he suffered in the win over Jacksonville. He missed nine games and the primary punt return position went to Beasley in his absence. Austin may have been absent from the gridiron for a time, but his energetic spirit and constant dance moves at practice and in the locker room, motivated the team and kept the fire burning in him to compete.
Following his return in week 17, Austin had a big impact in the postseason. He was the highest-graded punt returner in the postseason by Pro Football Focus, averaging 14.6 yards per return. Prior to being on Dallas’ roster, Austin spent five seasons with the Rams as a web-back, but the team could not successfully fit Tavon into their scheme with results. He did not meet expectations in St. Louis/Los Angeles and his broad-ranged skillset was never fully unleashed. He has transitioned well into the Cowboys’ system and will have another year to help boost versatility in the team’s passing game, ground attack, and special teams unit.
