Dallas Cowboys: 3 Players to let walk, cut and re-sign in 2019

Should be re-signed: Tavon Austin, Wide Receiver

While Dallas was ripped for trading away Ryan Switzer, they did actually make a smart, calculated risk during that same draft. That came when the Cowboys gave up a sixth-round pick for Los Angeles Rams receiver Tavon Austin.

While that was easy to shrug off, the fact is Dallas was smart here. Austin was a bust for the Rams, who drafted him at No. 8 overall. They also had extended him in 2016 to the tune of $42 million over four years.

That’s not what Dallas did though. They got a player who was given a restructured contract and counted only $3 million this season and will be a free agent in 2019. They also only spent a late-round pick for a guy with game-changing speed. And in six games, Austin showed that off. He had just seven receptions but he went for 130 yards (an average of 18.6 yards per catch). He also was good for 9.2 yards per rush on six carries before a groin injury sidelined him.

Dallas was teased with his potential and should retain him in 2019, and the missed time should actually help them. Austin would likely be retained for less than he made this season and with defenses focused on Ezekiel Elliott and Amari Cooper, a guy with Austin’s speed can be a game-changer. He can also provide them a solid return man — which is something they need desperately.