The Jacksonville Jaguars are reportedly signing veteran wide receiver/kick returner Tavon Austin, per NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo.
Austin was a superstar talent in the college football game when Jags coach Urban Meyer was at Florida/Ohio State.
#Jaguars are signing WR/KR Tavon Austin, source says. Was with the #Packers last year.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 6, 2021
After four years with West Virginia (2009-12), Austin was drafted by the St. Louis Rams with the No. 8 overall pick in 2013. He originally signed a six-year, $56.14 million contract with the franchise, but agreed to take a pay cut in 2018. In 2016, the speedster led the NFL in total punt returns with 44. He’s returned three punts for touchdowns throughout his eight-year career.
Austin served as a fringe backup/starting wide receiver with the Rams for five seasons before he was traded to Dallas in exchange for a a sixth-round pick.
After re-signing on a one-year deal with the Cowboys in 2019, Austin spent his eighth NFL season with the Green Bay Packers in 2020, logging just five receptions for 20 yards through four contests. He’ll look to carve out a bigger role with the Jaguars, if he can make the roster.
With a young Jaguars receiver corps featuring D.J. Chark Jr., Marvin Jones Jr. and Laviska Shenault Jr., Austin will provide some veteran depth at WR in addition to his presence on the special teams unit.
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