The Dallas Cowboys trade for speedster Tavon Austin

The Dallas Cowboys created more competition at the wide receiver position trading for former Los Angeles Rams speedster Tavon Austin.

The Dallas Cowboys had a overflowing wide receiver group prior to drafting Colorado’s Michael Gallup in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft on Friday night. The Cowboys told their new rookie to make some room on Saturday, trading a 2018 sixth round pick (192nd) for former Los Angeles Rams speedster Tavon Austin.

The eighth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft out of West Virginia, Austin never panned out with the Rams. He wasn’t even promised a spot on the roster this upcoming season.

After posting a career-high 58 receptions for 509 yards and three touchdowns in 2016, the 28-year old gadget player recorded just 13 catches for 47 yards under new Rams head coach Sean McVay last year.

Austin did have 59 carries for 270 rushing yards and a score in 2017. And that’s the way the Cowboys are rumored to be interested in using the former Ram, as a running back. Dallas is looking for a player who can be used on jet sweeps as well as a receiving threat out of the backfield. Austin could be that type of player.

The Cowboys have also been rumored to have worked out former change-of-pace back Lance Dunbar recently. The trade for Austin could be an attempt to fill that void instead. The fifth-year playmaker is scheduled to make a whopping $5 million ($4 million paid by the Rams) this upcoming season, on a one-year deal. Austin can also make an additional $3 million in bonuses and incentives.

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With the addition of Tavon Austin, the Dallas Cowboys have found themselves a gadget player whom they can play at both wide receiver and running back plus be a steady punt returner. The former first round pick has a real chance to prove himself as a valuable and versatile member of America’s Team.