NFL free agency update: Washington Redskins sign Paul Richardson

Paul Richardson is going coast-to-coast, leaving Seattle to sign a big deal in Washington. 

Seattle has been known for its defense over the years, but it’s the offense that is getting paid. The only problem is, it’s not the Seahawks handing out checks — other teams are poaching talent most NFL fans didn’t know was there.

Paul Richardson, also known as the other Seahawks receiver you couldn’t pick out of a grocery line, is the latest example of this. On Tuesday, Richardson agreed to sign with the Washington Redskins once the new league year began, meaning Alex Smith has a new No. 1 target to throw to on Sundays.

The only question is, was this signing worth the money Daniel Snyder ended up paying? The responses will vary but the verdict can’t be decided until we see him in action.

Contract details

This one’s a whopper of a deal, mostly because a  guy Washington just gave $40 million to is someone the fanbase is trying to Google right now. Richardson will earn $20 million in guaranteed money with his contract being double that if he stays the duration.

National reaction

This sums up how Redskins fans feel right now:

Next: 2018 NFL Free Agent Tracker

Grade

This isn’t a value buy or anything more than a necessity. Washington needs receivers and Alex Smith needs targets. The fact of the matter is, Richardson was the best available option on the market and Washington decided to pay him as such. He’s an average wideout, but maybe stepping into the No. 1 role in Jay Gruden’s offense will develop him into a guy no one will have to Google to figure out who he is.

Grade: C+