Washington Redskins: 15 best free agent acquisitions of all-time
By Ian Cummings
Pierre Garcon came to the Redskins as a needed weapon for 2012 first-round pick Robert Griffin III, and he left as the incumbent clutch target of Kirk Cousins. Garcon bridged two short, tumultuous quarterback eras in Washington. Throughout that time span, his toughness and consistency was a hallmark that contrasted the state of the team itself.
Garcon came to the Redskins as an unheralded, up-and-coming receiving threat from the Indianapolis Colts. The Redskins had given Garcon a massive vote of confidence, in the form of a five-year, $42 million contract. Over the course of his contract, he’d pay back every penny.
Garcon started a little slow in Washington, missing six games in 2012, but in 2013, he roared back onto the national stage, amassing 1,346 yards and five touchdowns on a whopping 113 receptions. That receptions figure gave Garcon the franchise record for catches in a season. It’s a record that still stands today, and could likely stand for years to come.
Garcon would never fall below 600 yards receiving in five years with the Redskins. In 2016, he ended his tenure in burgundy and gold on a high note, catching 79 passes for 1,041 yards and three touchdowns.
Garcon would enter 2017 free agency as he entered free agency so long ago: As a steely, under-appreciated, reliable weapon, who left an undeniable mark in the nation’s capital.