5 Former LA Rams that could return to team in 2020

WR Austin

WR Tavon Austin is a former LA Rams wide receiver whose one-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys expires this year. A 5-foot-8 178-pound speedster, he has enough talent to contribute both on offense and on special teams.  In 2019, the Dallas Cowboys special teams were at the bottom of the NFL.  With that in mind, the Dallas Cowboys will likely part ways with Austin in 2020.

The timing for that decision is actually very convenient for the Rams, as the team will likely be taking a different path from return specialist Jojo Natson. Natson is a special teams savant but has really not made any impact on the Rams offense. Prior to his trade to the Cowboys, the Rams had made use of Austin on the offense for 74 percent of the offensive plays.  While that usage declined under new head coach Sean McVay, he was still playing nearly a fourth of the offense in addition to his special teams’ return duties.

Austin is not a home-run by any means. But he does add versatility to the Rams new offensive playbook currently in draft form by head coach Sean McVay and offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell.  With a little imagination, perhaps a fullback as a lead blocker, Austin could fill a role as running back, slot receiver, return specialist for an economic price.

The LA Rams know Tavon Austin, and Tavon Austin knows the LA Rams. He could be a positive contributor in 2020, particularly in light of the Rams’ willingness to try new things on offense next season. And best of all, he would be an inexpensive addition to the team.