NFL Rumors: Los Angeles Rams Finalizing Tavon Austin Contract

While the preseason is going on, a couple of NFL players are still trying to cash in. According to CBS Sports, Tavon Austin is close to finalizing a contract with the Los Angeles Rams that is worth approximately $52 million. That is a whole lot of money being paid based on potential.

In three seasons so far in the NFL, Tavon Austin has never recorded more than 500 yards. The most receptions that he had was 52 last season. Austin played 15 games in 2014 and did not record a single touchdown as a wide receiver. Those numbers are far from being considered gaudy.

Tavon Austin and his agent have a pretty good argument about his numbers. Since he was chosen with the eight overall selection in the 2013 NFL Draft, Austin has had Nick Foles, Case Keenum and Sam Bradford as his starting quarterback. It would be difficult for a lot of wide receivers to put up big numbers with that trio.

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— Tavon Austin (@Tayaustin01) August 26, 2016

Versatility has been the calling card of Tavon Austin since joining the NFL. Aside from being a good wide receiver, the 5-foot-8, 175-pound star can also function as a running back and as a punt returner. That enables the Los Angeles Rams to keep opposing defenses on their toes.

The Los Angeles Rams selected Jared Goff with the first overall selection in the NFL Draft this summer, as reported by USA Today. He is their quarterback of the future. However, the Rams are wisely taking their time with Goff, wanting him to become as developed as possible before hitting the field.

Once Jared Goff gets on the field, the Los Angeles Rams want to ensure that he has as many weapons as possible. Management is hoping that Goff and Tavon Austin will team up for plenty of receptions and touchdowns over the next couple of seasons.

Rob Boras is now in his first full season as the offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams. Joining him will be new passing game coordinator Mike Groh. Los Angeles Rams head coach Jeff Fisher is hoping that Boras and Groh can help Jared Goff and Tavon Austin reach their full potential.

The combination of Jared Goff and Tavon Austin should have a much easier time trying to find chemistry because the team already has a solid running game behind Todd Gurley. The former Georgia Bulldogs star has developed into one of the hardest running backs to tackle in the NFL.

With the Los Angeles Rams building the most expensive sports arena in the world, it would really help the marketing department if the franchise were to have as many stars as possible to fill the approximately $2.6 billion palace. Winning games is another great way of getting people to shell out money for tickets.

Though the stadium has yet to be completed, Los Angeles Rams officials are already working with the NFL in an attempt to bring a Super Bowl back to southern California. Considering how expensive and technologically advanced the stadium is going to be, there is a very good chance of that happening.

Had the Los Angeles Rams not made the decision to leave Missouri, then there is a chance that Tavon Austin does not receive a contract that could pay him as much as $52 million. The Rams would have tried to keep Austin for a lower price.

Paying for potential is something that makes NFL executives a bit nervous, but it is something that often times needs to be done. When you are rebuilding a team, then you have to give a bit more than normal because your franchise is simply not as appealing. The Los Angeles Rams are fully aware of that.

[Photo by Thearon W Henderson/Getty Images]