Tavon

Austin

Austin announced his retirement on his Instagram on Tuesday, saying “after an incredible ten years, I’m officially retiring from the NFL.” The former first-round pick was a phenom in college at West Virginia, totaling 4,446 yards from scrimmage in 52 games. The Rams selected Austin in the 2013 draft and he went on to total over 1,000 yards as a rusher, receiver, and returner each over his career. After five seasons with the Rams, he spent time with the Cowboys, 49ers, Packers, Jaguars, and Bills either on the active roster, practice squad, or offseason roster. Injuries derailed much of Austin’s career towards the end, but he will best be known as a triple-threat weapon with the Rams. Austin retires at 34, saying “just like seasons, they come to an end, and it’s time for me to enter my next chapter in life”.

According to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, RB Darrell Henderson also worked out for Seattle in addition to Austin. The Seahawks seem to be looking to add offensive weapons for depth. Austin was also a returner in his NFL career and could add value there.

Austin was floundering on the team’s practice squad and was reportedly unhappy with not being called up for game action. His release comes just as the Bills struggle with injuries to their two main slot receivers, Jamison Crowder and Isaiah McKenzie. Rookie WR Jaquarri Roberson will take Austin’s place on the Buffalo practice squad.

Austin signed with the Bills in June -- his fourth team in four years. The former first-round draft selection should be able to catch on with a team in need of kick return help sometime this season. He’s entering his age-31 season.

Set to play for his fourth team in four years, Austin now heads to Buffalo to join the Bills. Last season with the Jaguars Austin totaled 24 receptions for 213 yards and one touchdown, hauling in his first touchdown pass since 2019. While it may be difficult for Austin to see offensive snaps in a crowded Bills receiver room, he could contribute as a returner. He has fielded just five punts over the last two seasons and hasn’t returned a kick since 2017.

He added 21 rushing yards on three attempts, racking up a season-high nine touches with James Robinson going down with a torn Achilles’ in the first quarter. Austin came into this one with 15 grabs on the year, but he vaulted up the depth chart with Laviska Shenault hitting the COVID list. Austin’s seven targets were second on the team to Marvin Jones’ 13. Austin will be nothing more than a deep-league WR6 next week against the Patriots.

Austin found the end zone but Laquon Treadwell was operating as the team’s third receiver. Treadwell finished second on the team with eight targets. The Jacksonville offense has struggled to support its top receivers so there’s no point in digging deep into their rotation to find fantasy value. Austin and Treadwell remain waiver wire fodder heading into Week 13.

Signed 27 days ago, Austin must now miss at least the first three games of the season. The Jags’ receiver corps is extremely thin beyond its top three, so it had been possible Austin might actually see some reps on offense as opposed to just special teams. It is possible Austin is released once he comes off injured reserve. He won’t emerge on the fantasy radar either way.

Austin most recently appeared in four games for the Packers last year, turning five catches into 20 yards and three punt returns into 14 yards. 30 years old and in the twilight stage of his career, Austin will have to compete to make the 53-man roster on special teams out of camp.

The former No. 8 overall pick of the Rams has degraded into a return man only at this point in his career. He appeared in four games for the Packers last season, turning five catches into a measly 20 yards and three punt returns into 14 yards. Austin has very little to offer at 5'8/180 and 31 years old.