Los Angeles Rams WR Tavon Austin must prove he is worth the $12 MIL

The Los Angeles Rams have picked up the fifth-year contract options from both of their two 2013 NFL Draft first-round selections, WR Tavon Austin and OLB Alec Ogletree

After the 2016 NFL Draft it was important for the Los Angeles Rams to think about the future of their 2013 first round selections. It was pretty clear that they would exercise Alec Ogletree after cutting the veteran James Laurinaitis in the off-season, but Austin’s price may be one that haunts the Rams in the future. Here are the prices the Rams had to pay to pick up both fifth-year contracts.

• WR Tavon Austin: $12,268,000
• OLB Alec Ogletree: $8,369,000

Middle Linebacker and soon to be captain Alec Olgetree, does have the capability of showing his skills worth around the $8 MIL Talent, but Austin will have a lot to prove in 2016-2017. First what this contract option does, it allows the Rams to secure Austin before any other team, but at a cost. Los Angeles would pay Austin more than $12 MIL for 2017. Austin will be the 7th highest paid WR in the 2017 season.

Austin will be paid around the same numbers as, Jeremy Maclin (KC), Randall Cobb (GB), and Demaryius Thomas (DEN). Here’s the one problem, Austin has never had numbers near the top receivers in the NFL. Last year, Austin had 52 receptions (Tied 61st in the NFL) and 473 receiving yards. (Tied 99th in the NFL)

The common argument for Austin, is that he can play multiple positions on the offense. Austin can be a running back, a punt/kick returner, and of course his primary position of wide receiver. First, let’s take a look at his rushing stats. Last year, Austin combined for 434 yards on 52 carries, which basically put to shame his first two years as a tailback. Austin combined for 373 yards on 45 carries in his first two years in STL.

Next: Donte Whitner will be a LA RAM

It’s also important to note that, Los Angeles Rams RB, Tre Mason was arrested and may not get the same playing time or any at all next season, which gives Austin a chance to shine a little in the run game. Secondly, Austin is a game changer. Given space in the open field, Austin can turn a  2 yard slant, into a 42 yard touchdown. With the QB problems the Rams faced last year, Austin was used in multiple packages across each game, let’s see where Austin will line up when Goff is under center.

I must agree with some of the Ramblin Fan followers on twitter as the price for Austin is a little too steep. I would want the Rams to transition Austin into more of a slat receiver, and that’s it. There is a reason Los Angeles drafted Jared Goff, to throw the football. I don’t mind a couple of Tavon Austin sweeps here and there, but Austin is better in the open field and not in the back field. With the addition of WR’s in the draft, Pharoh Cooper and Mike Thomas, Austin needs to a leader and first priority in the offense.

Like I said earlier in the article, Austin will be getting paid around the same numbers of Maclin, Cobb, and Thomas. Each of those receivers have had at least one 1,000+ yard season with 10+ TD’s. Austin best season so far receiving wise is 473 yards and 5 TD’s. Is the $12 MIL worth the price of Austin as a wide receiver? No..but is the $12 MIL worth the price of Austin being a PR, RB, and WR…possibly. He has a lot to prove with a new quarterback under center.