Redskins: A look at the team’s top 5 acquisitions of the 2018 offseason
3. Signing Paul Richardson to serve as a speed wide-out
If there was one thing that Washington had to add to their offense this season, it was a solid receiving option for their wide receiver group. In 2018, the unit struggled badly with drops and ineffective play. They had no game-breaking threats, as Jamison Crowder regressed because Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson were no longer around. They had to change that in 2018.
Getting Paul Richardson will certainly help in that regard. Though Richardson was just a one-year wonder with the Seahawks, the former second round pick was given a five year, $40 million deal to join the Redskins. And he fits what the Redskins need to a tee.
After Richardson signed with the Redskins, I said the following of his abilities as a receiver, and how his athleticism will greatly help the team’s passing game.
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"Many will point to Richardson’s speed as his greatest strength, and that certainly is one. However, in the wake of his ACL tear, Richardson has learned to play with more than just speed. Now, the more impressive parts of Richardson’s athletic arsenal are his quickness and body control. Richardson uses his quickness in routes to gain separation with sudden movements. This allows him to get to open space where he can make a catch and then utilize his speed to his advantage. In terms of body control, Richardson is able to move his body in ways that allow only himself to catch the ball. He can contort his body in borderline unimaginable ways to toe-tap inbounds and get catches that other receivers may not be able to get. Also, the way he can move his arms and utilize his hands gives him a massive catch radius, thanks to his flexibility."
This is something that Alex Smith will love having. Richardson will be able to make some insane catches and he will do a lot to provide the Redskins with a top receiving threat. With Richardson as the speed threat, Josh Doctson as the possession receiver, and Crowder manning the slot, the Redskins would appear to be in solid shape at the receiver position.
Richardson came at a hefty price tag, but he was the team’s biggest acquisition in free agency. And it stands to reason that he should have a good chance to succeed in Washington’s iffebsuve system.