Tavon Austin’s NFL Career: Tavon Austin Career Earnings
Tavon Austin was a dynamic and versatile player who made a significant impact on the NFL during his eight-year career. Drafted with the eighth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, Austin was expected to be a game-changer for the St. Louis Rams. While he showcased his explosive athleticism and playmaking ability throughout his career, his impact was often hampered by injuries and inconsistencies.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Draft and Early Career
Austin was selected by the St. Louis Rams with the eighth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. He was considered one of the most exciting prospects in the draft, known for his exceptional speed, agility, and elusiveness. Austin played college football at West Virginia University, where he established himself as a dynamic offensive weapon, excelling as a wide receiver and return specialist. He quickly made an impact in his rookie season, showcasing his speed and agility as a receiver and returner.
Tavon Austin’s Notable Achievements and Seasons
Austin’s most notable achievements include:
- Leading the NFL in punt return yards in 2013 and 2015.
- Recording a 98-yard punt return touchdown in 2013, which tied for the longest in NFL history.
- Scoring a 109-yard kickoff return touchdown in 2014, which was the longest in Rams history.
Austin’s most productive season came in 2015, when he caught 50 passes for 588 yards and five touchdowns. However, injuries continued to plague him throughout his career, limiting his effectiveness and consistency.
Teams and Duration of Play
Tavon Austin played for the following teams during his NFL career:
- St. Louis Rams (2013-2016): Austin’s initial NFL home, where he was drafted and spent his first four seasons.
- Dallas Cowboys (2017): Austin joined the Cowboys in 2017, but his time there was short-lived.
- Los Angeles Rams (2018): Austin returned to the Rams in 2018, now playing in Los Angeles after the team’s relocation.
- Miami Dolphins (2019): Austin’s final NFL stop, where he played one season in 2019.
Career Statistics
Year | Team | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns | Punt Returns | Punt Return Yards | Punt Return Touchdowns | Kickoff Returns | Kickoff Return Yards | Kickoff Return Touchdowns |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2013 | St. Louis Rams | 40 | 418 | 4 | 38 | 506 | 1 | 19 | 439 | 0 |
2014 | St. Louis Rams | 57 | 564 | 4 | 25 | 236 | 0 | 19 | 536 | 1 |
2015 | St. Louis Rams | 50 | 588 | 5 | 26 | 236 | 0 | 17 | 413 | 0 |
2016 | Los Angeles Rams | 29 | 245 | 1 | 14 | 117 | 0 | 8 | 196 | 0 |
2017 | Dallas Cowboys | 13 | 117 | 1 | 5 | 36 | 0 | 3 | 64 | 0 |
2018 | Los Angeles Rams | 13 | 105 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 52 | 0 |
2019 | Miami Dolphins | 11 | 80 | 0 | 2 | 23 | 0 | 1 | 14 | 0 |
Total | 273 | 2622 | 15 | 134 | 1355 | 1 | 82 | 2234 | 1 |
Analyzing Tavon Austin’s Salary History
Tavon Austin’s NFL career was marked by a combination of electrifying playmaking ability and inconsistent production. His salary history reflects this duality, showcasing periods of significant financial rewards alongside seasons where his value to teams fluctuated.
Tavon Austin’s Annual Salaries
Tavon Austin’s annual salaries throughout his NFL career provide a detailed picture of his financial trajectory. Here’s a breakdown:
- 2013 (Rams): $4,122,280 – As a first-round draft pick, Austin received a substantial rookie contract with a guaranteed base salary.
- 2014 (Rams): $4,626,560 – Austin’s salary increased slightly in his sophomore season.
- 2015 (Rams): $5,130,840 – His salary continued to rise as he entered his third year in the league.
- 2016 (Rams): $5,635,120 – Austin’s salary remained consistent in his fourth season.
- 2017 (Rams): $7,142,857 – Austin’s salary jumped significantly after the Rams exercised his fifth-year option, demonstrating their belief in his potential.
- 2018 (Dallas Cowboys): $5,500,000 – After being traded to the Cowboys, Austin’s salary decreased, likely due to a renegotiated contract.
- 2019 (Dallas Cowboys): $5,500,000 – Austin’s salary remained the same in his second year with the Cowboys.
Tavon Austin’s Highest-Paying Contract
Tavon Austin’s highest-paying contract came from the St. Louis Rams, who drafted him in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. His four-year rookie contract included a guaranteed base salary of $4,122,280 in his first year, which steadily increased over the subsequent seasons.
Significant Salary Increases and Decreases
Tavon Austin experienced both significant salary increases and decreases throughout his career.
* Increases: His salary saw notable increases in 2017 when the Rams exercised his fifth-year option, showcasing their continued faith in his abilities.
* Decreases: His salary dropped significantly when he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 2018, likely due to a renegotiated contract reflecting his reduced role and the team’s expectations.
Comparing Tavon Austin’s Salary to Other Players at His Position
Tavon Austin’s salary was generally in line with the average salaries of other players at his position, which is wide receiver. However, his salary fluctuated depending on his production and the team’s expectations. His highest-paying contract reflected his draft position and initial potential, while his subsequent contracts were influenced by his performance and the team’s needs.
Factors Influencing Tavon Austin’s Earnings
Tavon Austin’s NFL career earnings were influenced by a combination of factors, including his on-field performance, his unique skillset, his position, and his ability to generate income off the field. While his career was marked by flashes of brilliance, his earnings ultimately reflected the challenges he faced in consistently translating his talent into sustained success.
Impact of Performance and Position, Tavon austin career earnings
Tavon Austin’s salary was heavily influenced by his performance on the field. While his early years were marked by impressive speed and agility, his impact on games didn’t always translate into consistent production. His versatility as a receiver, running back, and return specialist created a unique value proposition for teams, but it also made it difficult for him to establish a clear role and excel in a specific area. This inconsistency impacted his earning potential, as teams were hesitant to commit long-term deals with high salaries without seeing consistent high-level performance.
Role of Endorsements and Off-Field Opportunities
Beyond his NFL salary, Tavon Austin generated income through endorsements and other off-field opportunities. His athleticism and unique skillset attracted brands seeking athletes to represent their products. However, his limited on-field success and occasional off-field controversies likely hindered his ability to secure lucrative endorsements and sponsorship deals.
Financial Decisions and Contract Negotiations
Tavon Austin’s financial decisions throughout his career played a significant role in his overall earnings. His contract negotiations with teams were influenced by his perceived value and the team’s willingness to invest in his potential. He signed a four-year, $42.5 million contract with the Rams in 2014, which reflected the high expectations for his performance. However, his inability to consistently meet those expectations ultimately limited his earning potential.