Sure, he was great last year. And sure, Jerry Jones LOVES to overpay as many players as he possibly can. But word of the Cowboys camp is that wide receiver Miles Austin signed a long term, 6 year deal with Dallas. This coming off of his breakout 2009, where Miles caught 81 balls for 1320 yards, good enough for 6th all time in Dallas history. While the move makes some Cowboys fans happy, those in the know are more than a bit skeptical at the move.
Rewarding a player with a record breaking season is fine. But GM Jerry Jones already did that for MA. This past June, Austin received a one year deal worth over 3 million dollars for 2010. Why not have Miles honor that deal, and then pay the big bucks next summer if his production remains at the 2009 level? There is no guarantee that Austin will be as productive in 2010 as he was last year - his best season before last year was 2008. His total receptions? 13.
If he catches another 70 plus balls for over 1000 yards, then sure - pay the man. In fact, pay him a BUNCH, because you've established Tony Romo's go to guy for the next 5 - 7 years. But giving players long term deals based on the results of one season is a move that oftentimes backfires. Ask the Washington Redskins, who rewarded Albert Haynesworth for an All Pro year in 2008 by signing him to the biggest contract of the 08 offseason. Now they're looking to trade him, or outright cut him.
Here's hoping Austin makes Jones look like a genius, and leads the NFC in catches in 2010. He's a great guy, good with the community, and an inspiration for hard workers everywhere. I'm just not sure he's worth the cost that Jones is going to pay.
Although, when you're the guy who builds a 1,000,000,000 dollar stadium, a 6 year deal seems like a drop in the bucket.
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