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Baltimore Ravens: The case for and against acquiring Tavon Austin

By Brandon Deffet

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 17: Wide receiver Tavon Austin #11 of the Los Angeles Rams rushes against the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on December 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr /Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 17: Wide receiver Tavon Austin #11 of the Los Angeles Rams rushes against the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on December 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr /Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 08: Tavon Austin #11 of the Los Angeles Rams waits for a huddle during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 8, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 08: Tavon Austin #11 of the Los Angeles Rams waits for a huddle during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 8, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Cons for signing Austin

While Austin can certainly have some value on an offense, he is not going be a #1 receiver. Standing at 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds, he’s built to thrive as more of a complimentary receiver. He isn’t the guy that can go up and make contested catches or be a big red zone threat. The Ravens would still need a big-bodied, physical receiver to pair Austin with if they decided to sign him.

As we mentioned earlier, Austin will likely come with a fairly cheap price tag this offseason. While that’s all well and good, there’s a reason for it. Austin’s production and efficiency fell off since signing his big extension. While opportunity and usage are partly to blame, Austin couldn’t seem to replicate his triple-threat 2015 numbers over the last two seasons.

It’s also worth noting that if Austin couldn’t find a secure role on the team of great offensive-minded Sean McVay, is it realistic to assume Ravens offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg would be able to use him properly?

Next: Baltimore Ravens: The case for and against signing Muhammad Wilkerson

The bottom line

Tavon Austin would be an excellent signing for the Ravens if and only if, he comes on an affordable deal. Having him on punt and kickoff returns would be a huge boost for the special teams unit. If he is paired with a true #1 receiver, he can be a great complimentary receiver on the offense as well. Look for the Ravens to give Austin a look in the coming weeks.

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