Free Agency Report: Tavon Austin interested in joining Eagles

By: Jesse Larch, Sports Talk Philly editor 

The Eagles have been wheeling and dealing with the NFL League year set to begin on March 14. 

Has the team's roster for the 2018-19 season begins to take shape, they will reach out to the players that they are interested in acquiring, but one case a player has made it known the he has interest in coming to Philadelphia. 

Former Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tavon Austin has put the word out that he desires to play for the Eagles. Crossing Broad's Kevin Kinkead broke the report:

A league source reached out to Crossing Broad a few days after the story went up, explaining that Austin has had contact with the Texans, Steelers, Jets and Ravens. Of those four teams, Austin would prefer to sign with the Texans, but reportedly has high interest in playing for the Eagles. The Birds, however, have not been in contact.

Austin, 26, was the eighth overall selection in 2013 by the then-St. Louis Rams. He was heralded for his speed and ability to create plays with the ball in his hands, but his talent at West Virginia University never translated to the pros. 

Last year Austin set career-lows in receptions (13), yards (47), and touchdowns (0). Austin also set a new high in fumbles lost with four. Austin was used primarily as a running back in Sean McVay's offense, toting the ball a career-high 59 times. 

Despite his meager receiving numbers, Austin is a year removed from his best season as a receiver when he had a career-high 58 receptions and 509 yards. 

With Torrey Smith and Marcus Johnson both exiting Philadelphia via trade the Eagles could be open to adding a wide receiver, but it is unknown what Austin would cost the Eagles – who are very limited in terms of cap space. 

Austin also profiles as a slot receiver due to his small stature. Nelson Agholor has a stranglehold on the slot position after breaking out in that role a season ago. What Austin could offer the Eagles is a talented and dangerous punt returner, with three punt return touchdowns in his career. 

As the report states the Eagles have not contacted Austin, so at this time the interest is only on behalf of the player.

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