The Dallas Cowboys are expected to cut wide receiver Miles Austin, according to Todd Archer of ESPN.com.
Miles Austin, Cowboys expected to part ways
With major cap issues, Dallas is likely to send Austin packing this offseason.
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Must Reads
Austin, 29, has never lived up to the massive contract he received in 2010 of seven years and $54.1 million with $18 million guaranteed. After posting consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in 2009 and 2010, Austin has seen a sharp decrease in productivity.
Over the past three seasons, Austin has 579, 973 and 244 yards respectively with a total of 13 touchdowns, including none in 2013. With the Cowboys in a brutal salary cap situation, they are looking to shed salary and Austin is a prime candidate. Dallas is already $24 million over the projected 2014 salary cap, per Spotrac.
On his current deal that runs through 2016, Austin’s cap hit ascends from $8.2 million in 2014 to $9.6 and then $12.5 in the final year. If Dallas cuts Austin before the upcoming season, it saves approximately $8.5 million over the three seasons while suffering around $15 million in dead money.
On the field, Jerry Jones and co. are likely looking at young receiver Terrance Williams to replace Austin. Williams was a contributor last season, catching 44 passes for 736 yards and five touchdowns in his rookie campaign.
Dawn Macelli of Blogging The Boys writes about the expectations for Williams next season:
Terrance Williams is ready to take the next step and move into the #2 WR role in Dallas during the 2014 season. He still has plenty of room for improvement, especially in becoming a constant and reliable target for Tony Romo. With Scott Linehan assuming the play-calling duties for the Cowboys and bringing with him an anticipated return to a down-the-field aerial attack (provided Romo is fully healthy), it stands to reason that the second-year wide out will have plenty of opportunities to take his game to the next level.
See More:
