Paul Richardson rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency
By Joe Schiller
After a breakout season, Paul Richardson will be an under-the-radar free agent signing. Here are his five best fits in free agency.
The Seattle Seahawks struggled offensively last season but it was at no fault of Paul Richardson. The fourth-year wide receiver finally broke through the ceiling and had a fantastic season. He finished with 703 yards and six touchdowns in 13 starts. It was finally the production the Seahawks were hoping for from their former second-round pick.
Richardson picked the perfect time to show out because he’s now a free agent. While the Seahawks may have plans to re-sign him, they won’t use the franchise tag. That gives Richardson the ability to explore his options on the free agent market. With a ton of wide receiver-needy teams, that bodes well for his price tag.
The market will be dominated by big names like Jarvis Landry, Sammy Watkins, Allen Robinson and Jimmy Graham but look out for Richardson. He’s an under-the-radar player who could make an immediate impact next season at the position.
Here are Richardson’s five best fits heading into free agency.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
With a newly signed Blake Bortles, there would be no better way for Dave Caldwell to help out his man under center than to bring in wide receiver help. After failing to use the franchise tag on Allen Robinson, there’s a good chance he walks in free agency. Not to mention, Marqise Lee is also a free agent and Allen Hurns has a $7 million option that may not be picked up. A strong wide receiver core could take a turn very quickly this offseason.
Bortles isn’t a quarterback that’s going to make plays solely by himself. He needs strong weapons around him like we saw last season in the team’s AFC Championship Game run. Richardson can be a reliable receiver who fills that role. He caught 80 passes last season and showed the production can happen when given consistent game time. The dominance of Leonard Fournette on the ground will only open up the passing lanes even more next season.
The Jaguars’ aren’t worried about cap room even after Bortles’ extension. They’ve got a ton of weapons on both sides of the ball under contract and the remaining money could be used to lure Richardson in. He’d quickly become a top target in that offense.