Report: Washington Redskins to sign WR Paul Richardson to a deal

The Washington Redskins entered this offseason looking to bolster their receiving corps. They appear to be doing just that.

The Washington Redskins had Allen Robinson in their sights earlier this week, but that ship has sailed, as has the possibility of signing Sammy Watkins. Thus, the team has been forced to move down the ladder. A report has surfaced that they’re closing in on a deal with former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Paul Richardson. The terms have already been released, and the deal is as good as done.

With Alex Smith coming into the fold soon, the Washington Redskins needed to add a new weapon with speed as his calling card. Josh Doctson serves a purpose as a big-bodied red zone threat, and Jamison Crowder works well in the slot. Provided that the team’s talented tight ends can remain healthy, then Paul Richardson theoretically completes the puzzle.

In Richardson, Jay Gruden gets a playmaker who is just shy of 26-years old. A former second-round pick, Richardson ran a blazing 4.40 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in 2014. His stats thus far haven’t entirely reflected his talent, but he had his best season in 2017, accruing over 700 yards and six touchdowns on 44 receptions. He adds a dynamic element to the Washington Redskins receiving core, and he gives Alex Smith a much-needed target. A knock on the Smith deal is that Tyreek Hill was a proponent of his success in Kansas City. Now, Smith essentially has a new version of Hill in Paul Richardson.

Richardson may face a learning curve when he arrives in Washington, but at just 26-years old, he has plenty of time to get Gruden’s system under his belt. With the starters essentially locked down for 2018, the Washington Redskins can now focus on adding depth, likely through the NFL Draft this coming spring.

Contract Details

Richardson will reportedly sign a five-year deal worth $40 million, averaging out to $8 million per year. $20 million of that salary will be guaranteed. The deal locks Richardson up until he turns 31 in 2023, so the Washington Redskins have the rest of Richardson’s peak years locked up.

National Reaction

NFL Free Agency: Signing tracker for all 32 teams

Grade

With $8 million off the books, and a speed demon at wide receiver now under wraps, the Washington Redskins accomplished one goal this offseason. They added a playmaker on the receiving core, and they managed to keep a sizable amount of money, approximately $23 million, to spend on other standout players. For now, this deal is a very smart move. That could change, as the Washington Redskins know well. But they did what they needed to do. They got an upgrade, for less than the going market value.

Grade: A-