Should the Redskins sign recently released Jordy Nelson?
By Kyle Hundley
The Redskins desperately need to upgrade the talent at the receiving position. Should Washington take a chance on a recently released veteran?
Anyone who watched the Washington Redskins in 2018 saw an offense that was lacking explosive playmakers or any real offensive weapons. Yes, there are some solid players such as Chris Thompson and Jordan Reed. However, both have dealt with injury issues, and neither are wide receivers, just nice receiving options.
It has been rumored that the Redskins have been looking to a big splash in free agency and upgrade the receiver position. Re-signing Brian Quick is not the upgrade most fans were hoping for when they heard this. One player who could provide that upgrade though is the recently released Jordy Nelson.
The longtime Green Bay Packer, Jordy Nelson spent last season in Oakland before getting released last week as the Raiders build for the future. While Nelson is going to be 34 when the season comes up, he still showed that he had something left in the tank as he had 63 receptions for 739 yards and three touchdowns last year.
More from Riggo's Rag
- Highlighting the best Commanders 2023 NFL Draft betting props
- 3 late Commanders rumors drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft
- 4 bold predictions for the Commanders 2023 NFL Draft
- Commanders News: Chase Young trade, draft day, CB riser and Sam Howell
- Bet365 VA Bonus Code – Claim $200 Guaranteed With Sign-Up Bonus
After getting off to a slow start, he started to build a better rapport with quarterback Derek Carr after the Amari Cooper trade and showed that he can still be a solid receiver in the league.
He is currently drawing interest from a few teams. However, the Redskins do not appear to be in the hunt at the moment. At the very least they should do their homework on him as he can offer a lot to this team in 2019.
From a leadership standpoint, the Redskins receiving corps can benefit from learning from a former All-Pro receiver and a Super Bowl champion who brings a winning mentality and strong work ethic with him as they are still a young group still.
Both Cam Sims and Trey Quinn flashed some potential before their seasons got derailed by injuries. Nelson would be a great tutor to work under as he has overcome a major injury himself and knows what it takes to come back strong. Nelson has otherwise been pretty durable outside of that one major injury for what it’s worth.
From a football standpoint, Nelson can come in and all honesty, probably be the No. receiver for the ‘Skins going into 2019 because of a lack of talent at the position. While his best years are obviously behind him, this is a team that is desperately looking for playmakers at the position because they don’t have any.
With that said, there are two questions to answer. Does Nelson fit into the Redskins’ long term plans and do they make a competitive offer to get him if he does fit? If the Redskins are as “close” as some believe they are, then bringing Nelson on an AP type one-year prove-it deal to upgrade the position makes sense. If not, they need to use those resources elsewhere.
Do the Redskins have a plan this offseason?. dark. Next
Regardless of whether they decide to make a move for Nelson or not, Washington needs to find more talent at the receiver position. And like every good NFL team, they should at the very least be doing their due diligence on him as he is still a capable NFL receiver. With free agency still going on, expect more moves to come for the Redskins this offseason.