Statistically speaking, Cowboys receiver Miles Austin didn’t have a bad go of it in 2012. But for the second consecutive year, he struggled with hamstring issues and, once again, was unable to return to the Pro Bowl form seen in 2009 or 2010. Dez Bryant, meanwhile, emerged as the team’s clear No. 1.
According to former agent and current contributor to CBSSports.com, Joel Corry, these facts, along with Austin’s sizable contract, put Austin at a crossroads in 2013. Corry included Austin in his recent list of 15 such players, for whom nest season could be make-or-break.
“Austin hasn't lived up to expectations after signing a seven-year, $57.268 million contract in 2010 as a restricted free agent” Corry writes. “He has battled nagging injuries since a stellar 2009 campaign in which he caught 83 passes for 1,320 yards and 11 touchdowns. Austin missed six games in 2011 with hamstring problems. He played in every game last season but was hampered by hip and ankle issues.
“Austin has become more of a secondary option with Dez Bryant's emergence and tight end Jason Witten operating as Tony Romo's security blanket. Nonetheless, Austin was one of the NFL's most productive No. 2 wide receivers with 66 catches, 943 yards and six touchdowns. Dallas' perpetual cap problems could make Austin a pay-cut candidate or cap casualty if his productivity declines or the injuries continue.”
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