Paul Richardson rumors: 5 best fits in NFL free agency
By Joe Schiller
2. Washington Redskins
The Alex Smith era begins in Washington this year and the Redskins have a need at wide receiver. Terrelle Pryor, Brian Quick, and Ryan Grant are all free agents. The only real reliable receiver on the roster is running back in Chris Thompson. Even Josh Doctson and Jamison Crowder have question marks heading into this season.
Smith is coming off a career season and looks the best we’ve seen in his 12-year career. If the Redskins want to fully utilize his talent, they must surround him with talent. Richardson is a plug-and-play starter who immediately becomes one of the top options in Matt Cavanaugh’s offense. He’s not Tyreek Hill by any standard but still provides the ability for highlight reel plays on the field. We’ve seen that in short bursts over the past few years.
No Redskins receiver caught more than 66 passes last season. Bringing in Richardson is already an upgrade from what the team has. It also gives them the ability to still draft a Day 2 receiver, where the depth is plentiful in the NFL draft.
By now, it’s clear Smith is more than just a check-down passer. His arm can reach a much bigger range on the field. His reliability paired with an up-and-coming receiver in Richardson could be a sneaky good combination in Washington next season.