Let’s play NFL GM for a moment, shall we? Would a bona fide No. 1 receiver in his prime be worth first and third round compensation, plus the primo dollars it would take to sign him to a long-term deal? Because that’s the question many general managers face this offseason when it comes to Cowboys’ receiver Miles Austin.
Thus far, Dallas has been adamant about not wanting to use a franchise tag on Austin (a restricted free agent) this offseason. What they’ll probably wind up doing is placing a $3.168 million tender on him, which means they have first right to match any offer made by another team. If another team offers more money and the Cowboys don’t match it, then Dallas is awarded a first and a third round pick as compensation.
Legit No. 1 receivers that are 25-years-old aren’t easy to find. That’s why a team might be inclined to part with two draft picks in order to acquire Austin and make him their franchise receiver. After all, Austin appears to be a sure thing and as we all know, there is no guarantee that prospects (no matter how high they’re selected) will pan out.
But if I could step into the GM shoes for a moment, I think it’s ridiculous to give up a first and third rounder to acquire a receiver – no matter how good of a player he is. Teams that have had consistent success often build from the inside out, meaning after they settle their quarterback need, the offensive and defensive lines take priority over the skill players. I’m not downgrading the value of a No. 1 receiver, but they wouldn’t be a priority over other positions on my team.
While I’m fully aware that giving up a seemingly sure thing in Austin could net me two busts in the draft, I would still view the situation as acquiring two potential starters for one No. 1 receiver. If those draft picks pan out, then I can address immediate needs at two areas, preferably in the trenches or on defense.
Of course, the problem with my reasoning is that I would still need to find a receiver. In the specific case of the Cowboys, they would be left with Roy Williams as their No. 1 receiver, meaning they would probably have to use one of the two draft picks that they acquired to fill their need at wideout. In that case, why don’t they just hang onto Austin and invest in him long term since he’s already proven himself?
Chances are, Austin isn’t going anywhere. He was the Cowboys’ offensive MVP last season and he’s far and away their best playmaker. He’ll probably end up right back in Dallas next season and eventually, the Cowboys will sign him to a long-term deal. But it’s always fun to play NFL GM and this will be an interesting storyline throughout the offseason.
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