Miles Austin Should Be Given the Marques Colston Approach by Cowboys

After extending Wade Phillips' contract to keep him on the sidelines until 2011, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones now has to make a decision on the type of deal for Pro Bowl wide receiver Miles Austin.

One of the most unknown players the first four weeks of the 2009 season, Austin broke out in Week Five when he caught 10 receptions for 250 yards and two touchdowns—including the game-winning 60 yard pass from Tony Romo in overtime to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs.

The following week against the Atlanta Falcons, he finished with six receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns. His 421 yards and four touchdowns in a two-week span was more than some wideouts accomplish in an entire season.

All of a sudden, the former unknown Monmouth superstar was becoming one of the most feared wide receivers in the NFL and a No. 1 option for Romo. In a season where Roy Williams was expected to be the go-to guy for the 'Boys in blue, Austin came out of nowhere to lead all Dallas receivers with 1,320 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also was voted to start the Pro Bowl for the first time in his four-year career.

Wait, Austin has been in the league for four years?

As crazy as it is to realize, Austin has been on the Cowboys' roster since 2006. During his first three seasons with Dallas, he caught just 18 receptions for 354 yards and three touchdowns—most of which came in 2008.

With this in mind, should Jones wait another year before signing him to a long-term deal with a massive payout?

For the record, this article is in no way intended to bash on Austin and question his ability as a wide receiver. The point trying to be made is a player's contract shouldn't be based off the performance of one breakout season. 

Over the years, there have been numerous NFL owners who have made the mistake of rewarding their players with a massive contract based off the performance of one season.

Just look at what the Cleveland Browns did with Derek Anderson.

Anderson received a three-year deal worth a maximum $26 million after throwing for 29 touchdowns and earning a spot on the Pro Bowl after a breakout 2007 season. Since then, he's started just 16 games and thrown just 12 touchdowns.

If anything, Jones should take the approach the New Orleans Saints did with wide receiver Marques Colston.

Colston was selected by the Saints in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft. In his first season, the former Hofstra standout was one of the most unexpected breakout stars during his rookie campaign, as he finished with 1,038 yards receiving and eight touchdowns.

As impressive as his rookie season was, the Saints knew it would be a risky move to reward a seventh-round pick with a hefty payout after just one breakout season. Instead, they waited until after his sophomore year in which he finished with even better numbers (1,202 yards and 11 touchdowns) before rewarding him with a raise as part of his three-year extension.

Austin's story is similar to Colston's considering both players emerged to NFL stardom when least expected. However, there's always the risk of a one-hit wonder when it comes to breakout seasons in the NFL.

Every NFL fan—especially the Cowboys—would love to see Austin continue to be a reliable No. 1 option for Romo over the next couple of seasons. After emerging as one of the top wide receivers in '09, there is every reason to believe he can return next season as one of the top wideouts.

However, Jones needs to be smart about his money and what he invests in. Do the right thing, Jerry; wait at least one more year so Austin can prove that his performance this season was no fluke. Make him show he would be worth every penny if rewarded with a hefty long-term deal.

Dan Parzych is the founder of the new NFCEastFootball.com