Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys Overpay Another Wide Receiver

Apparently one good season is enough for NFL teams these days to throw money at their players. First it was the New York Jets tossing a ridiculous amount at Darrelle Revis, and now Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys have followed suit by overpaying Miles Austin.

The deal is, according to NFL.com’s Steve Wyche, six years worth $57 million. There’s no word as to the exact structure of the contract including guaranteed money, but on the surface that’s an insane amount for a one-year wonder.

Sure, Austin was by far the Cowboys’ best receiver last season. And sure, having a receiver actually perform after trading for Roy Williams had to be exciting, but this is a bit much — even for Jones.

Before 2009, Austin had — for his entire three-year career — 18 catches for 354 yards and three touchdowns. He exploded in ’09 with 81 receptions for 1,320 yards, but defenses had never seen him before. He took a lot of guys by surprise because no one really knew his tendencies as a receiver, and he was really Tony Romo’s only target other than the tight end Jason Witten.

This year, Austin is going to be splitting receptions with Dez Bryant (once Williams is finally benched for good) and Witten, and defenses are going to be keying on him. The opposing team is going to have their best corner following him around with a safety over the top keeping one eye on him, and I don’t foresee him being able to handle the added attention and replicate his ’09 season.

The Boys are taking one hell of an expensive gamble, but I’d bet Jones gets burned — again.