Bills signing Tavon Austin

[Mr. WEO]

3 hours ago, Sammy Watkins' Rib said:

 

It seems you are arguing just to argue. 

 

Whether or not the guy is capable anymore is not my point. But I don't think it is debatable that for his entire career he has been known and used as a punt return specialist more so than a receiving threat. And that includes even recently. From 2017 to 2020, a four year span, he had more punt returns (42) than he did receptions (39).  The year prior in 2016 he lead the league in punt returns with 44. In 2014 he had four more punt returns (35) than he had receptions (31). For his career he has 244 receptions to 190 punt returns. That's not a very big spread. So yes, teams see him as a punt return guy rather than a WR. Last year was the first time in his career he had substantially more receptions than punt returns in terms of percentage difference between the two.

No I’m stating the facts.The guy is in no way a legit punt returner—3 teams in the lady 3 years have shouted this out loud.  He hardly has been used a a PR in 4 years.  You can’t make a serious argument otherwise. 

[Big Turk]

36 minutes ago, TheBrownBear said:

So, you're a "stat scout"? Got it.

 

I don't know if he has anything left, but he's been perennially injured and seems to have been the recipient of serial bad luck with penalties negating his big plays.  There's a ton of articles out there about it dating back to his rookie season (like the one linked here discussing his returns in a 2019 Wild Card game - one of which was an 80 yard score called back due to penalty https://theathletic.com/755119/2019/01/08/tavon-austin-prepares-to-return-to-la-where-the-hurt-is-almost-gone/ or this one explaining his extension in 2016 which references 3 or 4 TD returns called back https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/08/29/jeff-fisher-tavon-austin-was-paid-based-on-anticipation-of-what-hes-going-to-do/).  Rams fans also seem to think he was misused and unlucky vs. viewing him as a bust.  Watch his NFL film - he has good PR instincts and could fill the role for the Bills assuming he's healthy.

 

I find it beyond the realm of believability that someone could average under 4.5 yards per return over 3 years and 22 returns due to bad luck on penalty calls.

 

His time with the Rams was long ago...let's focus on his recent results.

Edited June 3, 2022 by Big Turk

[FilthyBeast]

Camp body type of signing. Because if he were to make this roster that means we aren't nearly as good at the position as some think.

 

In fact I have no problem that we looked to bring in another veteran body at the position but should have been a different name with a more proven body of work at the position.

[Sammy Watkins' Rib]

12 minutes ago, Mr. WEO said:

No I’m stating the facts.The guy is in no way a legit punt returner—3 teams in the lady 3 years have shouted this out loud.  He hardly has been used a a PR in 4 years.  You can’t make a serious argument otherwise. 

 

From 2017 to 2020, 4 seasons, more punt returns than receptions. Your typical WR does not come close to having more punt returns than receptions. He's viewed around the league as a punt return specialist first. WR second.  I don't disagree the guy is past his prime. IF, and that's  a big if, he sticks on the Bills roster it's more likely than not he ends up with another season with more punt returns than receptions. 

[TampaBillsJunkie]

59 minutes ago, ddaryl said:

I though he meant McKenzie

It's a joke. Another poster kept referring to him as McKittrick in his posts.

[Bronxbomber21]

I was hoping for a Julio Jones to be honest 

[Rocky Landing]

4 hours ago, AuntieEm said:

 

Also if tavon still has his speed and if he clicks with Allen and the other wrs.  After John Brown and Sanders both seemed to wear out after playing with JA I kinda lean toward he gets new toys and since he does use them all he does break some.  So it doesn't hurt to have Crowder, Mckenzie, Austin and Shakir all bring speedster they could rotate the vets on/off the ps with the increase in vets they can sign to it.  If one gets dinged up they can be inactivated while they heal and bring up an equally capable speedster.

 

 

 

I know it's a brave, new world, and all... but I have a hard time imagining Crowder, McKenzie, Austin or Shakir being rotated through the practice squad.

 

2 hours ago, Sammy Watkins' Rib said:

 

From 2017 to 2020, 4 seasons, more punt returns than receptions. Your typical WR does not come close to having more punt returns than receptions. He's viewed around the league as a punt return specialist first. WR second.  I don't disagree the guy is past his prime. IF, and that's  a big if, he sticks on the Bills roster it's more likely than not he ends up with another season with more punt returns than receptions. 

I would add that if they have an eye on Shakir as P/KR (and many assume they do), Austin could be a valuable vet presence during TC in that regard.

 

 

Edited June 3, 2022 by Rocky Landing

[Buffalosouth]

I've heard of him.

[Chicken Boo]

5 hours ago, Nextmanup said:

His entire career has been a disappointment, especially if you factor in where he was drafted.

This guy went 8th overall!
 

 

 

Except for the career earnings part, you are correct. 

 

Salute to anyone who can last in the league this long.

[Big Turk]

17 minutes ago, Chicken Boo said:

 

Except for the career earnings part, you are correct. 

 

Salute to anyone who can last in the league this long.

 

40.6 million over 9 seasons ain't a bad gig if you can get it.

Edited June 4, 2022 by Big Turk

[without a drought]

His 6.8 yards a carry is pretty much the only impressive stat in any category for his entire disappointing career.

[Sierra Foothills]

1 hour ago, Buffalosouth said:

I've heard of him.

 

Ralph is cheap.

[Putin]

1 hour ago, Buffalosouth said:

I've heard of him.

I forgot about him 

[freddyjj]

10 hours ago, wppete said:

Please explain!?!?

 

12 hours ago, ddaryl said:

It took me awhile to figure out who Makensi is...LOL

At 1st I asking myself when did we sign Makensi

 

[Sierra Foothills]

3 hours ago, Buffalosouth said:

I've heard of him.

 

1 hour ago, Putin said:

I forgot about him 

 

Who were we talking about again?

 

[BILLieve85]

Is it week 1, well I mean week 0 yet. Yikesss

[Rico]

Guess Percy Harvin was unavailable.

[Mr. WEO]

16 hours ago, Sammy Watkins' Rib said:

 

From 2017 to 2020, 4 seasons, more punt returns than receptions. Your typical WR does not come close to having more punt returns than receptions. He's viewed around the league as a punt return specialist first. WR second.  I don't disagree the guy is past his prime. IF, and that's  a big if, he sticks on the Bills roster it's more likely than not he ends up with another season with more punt returns than receptions. 

 

 

LOL so what?

 

He's had 32 PR....in 4 years!  On 3 different teams.

 

He's viewed around the league as a guy you don't let touch the ball hardly ever.

 

 

[ColoradoBills]

Austin was signed to compete for the last WR spot which will most likely entail PR/KR duties.

At worse he brings a good deal of experience to share with Stevenson and anyone else competing.

While his cap hit numbers are not in yet I'm fairly certain he signed a cheap contract so what's not to like?

 

Personally, I believe Marquez Stevenson will be working his butt off this summer with returner duties and I still have hope for him.

If Tavon Austin can help with that it will have been a good camp signing.   Also, a good chance that if after he gets cut he could still be

available later in the year if disaster hits the returner(s).

[CowgirlsFan]

Puzzling. Often injured as a Cowboys.