Green Bay Packers: Tavon Austin can add new dimension to offense

The Green Bay Packers signed receiver Tavon Austin, who can add a new element to the offense.

Ever since the Green Bay Packers passed on drafting a wide receiver in the 2020 NFL Draft, fans and pundits have been pleading for the team to address the position. Whether it was trading for the Texans’ Will Fuller or signing then-free agent Antonio Brown, the Packers just had to acquire a new receiver somehow, some way.

It may have not been the marquee addition everyone wanted, but general manager Brian Gutekunst answered the call this past week by signing free agent receiver Tavon Austin.

Austin, a former 2013 first-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams, spent his previous two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He also spent a season with Packers coach Matt LaFleur in 2017 when LaFleur was offensive coordinator for the Rams.

Best known for his blazing speed, Austin (5-8, 179 pounds) could add a new dimension to the Packers offense. Even nine seasons later, the speedy wideout still thinks he has plenty to offer at this point in his career.

“I’m still explosive. If anything, I’m still 4.3 (in the 40-yard dash). If I ain’t 4.2, I know I’m 4.3. My workout spoke for itself, how explosive I was and things like that,” Austin said Wednesday during a press conference with Green Bay media.

Tavon Austin’s speed and versatility will be a weapon for the Green Bay Packers offense.

Austin figures to play the role that running back Tyler Ervin was utilized in, as a jet motion man used to distract defenders pre-snap. Ervin has missed four games this season due to separate wrist and ribs injuries.

Though he hasn’t lived up to his first-round draft status, Austin can still be a valuable contributor for a Packers team that already ranks first in points per game (31.7) and fourth in total offense (392.2 yards per game).

"“It’s been a long road for me through my injuries. It’s been a long road for somebody just really trusting in me,” Austin said. “I’ve had nine quarterbacks in eight years and about four or five different offensive systems. I’ve never really been in a steady place. I’m just glad I’m finally here with Aaron (Rodgers) and hopefully he grows trust in me.”"

In eight previous seasons, Austin has caught 215 passes for 2,006 yards and 15 touchdowns. He’s also added 1,340 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on196 carries. The Packers are hoping Austin can add some of that versatility to their offense for the remainder of the 2020 season.