Should the Dallas Cowboys Trade Miles Austin for Brian Robison?
By Erik Lambert
Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Miles Austin (19) runs after a catch against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Miles Austin has had his share of ups and downs with the Dallas Cowboys. He is still viewed as one of the better receivers in the NFL, at least when he’s healthy. Given how the roster is shaping up in Big D, should the team consider offering him up in a trade for help where they need it more, such as defensive end Brian Robison?
Austin lost behind Jason Witten and Dez Bryant
Smart players aren’t fooled by the common assurances offered by the coaches and front office. Miles Austin is highly respected for his intelligence and after Dallas restructured his contract and drafted rookie Terrance Williams in the third round back in April, his time in a Cowboys uniform appears to run short. Never mind the fact he’s lost in the offensive shuffle behind emerging superstar Dez Bryant and veteran All-Pro tight end Jason Witten. One thing Dallas head coach Jason Garrett preached heading into training camp was the need to run the ball more. That meant heavier doses of running back DeMarco Murray, and by extension fewer opportunities for Austin. Like any respectable receiver he wants the ball any time he can get it, but with Bryant and Witten on the team his chances figure to become few and far between. A big reason for that is ongoing health concerns. Hamstring problems have dogged him for years. Combined with his contract it makes it difficult to justify keeping him on the roster much longer. Should the front office consider moving him out for help elsewhere?
Robison and Jared Allen part of big free agent group for Minnesota Vikings
A big area of concern for Dallas is their defensive line. Injuries have already begun to take a toll with Tyrone Crawford lost for the season and that’s not counting the fact they’re switching Pro Bowlers Anthony Spencer and DeMarcus Ware from their natural outside linebacker positions to classic 4-3 defensive ends. Not only are they lacking depth but also players proven in that scheme. The Minnesota Vikings have the luxury of several options including sack master Jared Allen. Their problem is pending free agency issues. Along with Allen, fellow starter Brian Robison enters the last year of his current contract. Minnesota would obviously like to keep both but if each has another solid season like they did in 2012 the money demand may become too much. Allen is the older player but shows no signs of slowing down. Robison is younger and has pass rush skill but is better against the run. Never mind the fact key reserve Everson Griffen (eight sacks in 2012) is also a free agent. The chances of keeping all three aren’t great. Robison is not as good as Allen and not as young as Griffen. Therefore he is the most tradeable of the three.
Miles Austin is 29-years old. Brian Robison is 30. Neither is considered the best on their team but both are valuable role players. The Dallas Cowboys need help at defensive end while the Minnesota Vikings could surely use another veteran receiver. There is no reason to think a swap wouldn’t help each team.