Veteran WR Tavon Austin Works Out With Jets

Veteran WR Tavon Austin worked out with the New York Jets. Austin could fit in Mike LaFleur's offense if he makes the team, another weapon for QB Zach Wilson

Max Goodman | May 12, 2021

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets worked out veteran wide receiver Tavon Austin on Wednesday, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Austin, a free agent, has played in eight seasons in the NFL. A former first-rounder—the No. 8 overall pick by the Rams in 2013—Austin played with the Green Bay Packers in four games last season.

According to Rapoport, Austin's workout at the Jets' facility "went well."

The wide receiver has racked up 2,026 receiving yards on 220 receptions in 100 career games. His best season came in 2016 when Austin hauled in 509 receiving yards—a career high—in 15 games.

He played for two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys—before joining the Packers in 2020—after spending the first five years of his career within the Rams organization.

Austin, 31, also has experience providing some explosiveness in the kick return game. The West Virginia product returned a punt for a score in each of his first three NFL seasons, racking up 1,480 on 188 punt returns in his career.

The Jets have bolstered their offense quite a bit this offseason, adding weapons and playmakers in both the NFL draft and free agency.

It started with wideouts Corey Davis and Keelan Cole in free agency. Davis was a top option on the free-agent market, a stud that believes he can be a No. 1 option in green and white for years to come.

Then, after drafting quarterback Zach Wilson second overall, Gang Green added three additional offensive prospects. Guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, wide receiver Elijah Moore and running back Michael Carter were each added by general manager Joe Douglas and his team from the first round through the fourth.

Austin could be a good fit in Robert Saleh and Mike LaFleur's offense, providing some experience and mentorship in a wide receiver room that hosts a handful of young players. Moore and second-year receiver Denzel Mims can certainly benefit from veterans around them.

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Published May 12, 2021

MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Jets for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. He also covers the New York Yankees, publisher of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Yankees site, Inside The Pinstripes. Before starting out with SI, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. While at school, Goodman gathered valuable experience as an anchor and reporter on NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. Goodman previously interned at MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman and connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.