Miles Austin signs deal with Eagles

ByPhil Sheridan ESPN logo
Thursday, April 2, 2015

PHILADELPHIA -- The Eagles signed veteran wide receiver Miles Austin to a one-year contract Tuesday.





The deal is worth $2.3 million, with an additional $700,000 in incentives, according to a report by the NFL Network.




Austin, 30, spent the 2014 season with the Cleveland Browns after eight years with the Dallas Cowboys. In 12 games last season, Austin caught 47 passes for 568 yards and two touchdowns. He went on injured reserve for the final four games after injuring a kidney during a game.




The Eagles were left thin at wide receiver with the departure of starter Jeremy Maclinvia free agency. Maclin, the Eagles' leading receiver in 2014, signed with the Kansas City Chiefs. It was the second season in a row that the Eagles' leading receiver left the team. Last year, the Eagles released DeSean Jackson, who later signed with Washington.




Riley Cooper started opposite Maclin in 2014. Jordan Matthews, a second-round pick in the 2014 draft, was the slot receiver. Josh Huff was also expected to return to the lineup this season.




Coach Chip Kelly said the Eagles believed there was excellent depth at wide receiver in this year's draft. But signing Austin gives them a solid option without having to rely on the uncertainties of rookies.




The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Austin was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cowboys in 2006. His best season was 2009, when he caught 81 passes for 1,320 yards and 11 touchdowns, all career highs.




Over the past four seasons, Austin has missed 15 games due to injuries. Along with the kidney injury in 2014, he had some hamstring issues in 2011 and 2013 while with the Cowboys. Dallas released Austin in June, and he signed with Cleveland.








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