Redskins: 5 best free agent fits still on the board late in the process

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 9: Defensive back Tre Boston #33 of the Arizona Cardinals tackles wide receiver Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 9: Defensive back Tre Boston #33 of the Arizona Cardinals tackles wide receiver Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins during the third quarter at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 02: Jordy Nelson #82 of the Oakland Raiders makes a catch against the Kansas City Chiefs during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 2, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 02: Jordy Nelson #82 of the Oakland Raiders makes a catch against the Kansas City Chiefs during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 2, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

The Washington Redskins have one of the weakest receiver groups in the NFL. They will likely add to it in the 2019 NFL Draft, but they could still stand to add an upgrade on the cheap to help out their quarterback.

Jordy Nelson is merely a short-term option for the Redskins. He’s a 34-year-old free agent that was just cut by the Raiders. That said, Nelson could offer the Redskins something that their group is lacking. Durable, veteran experience.

Our own Kyle Hundley liked the idea of bringing in Nelson after the Raiders cut the veteran. Here’s what he said about the possibility of adding Nelson to the ‘Skins’ receiver group.

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"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. … From a football standpoint, Nelson can come in and all honesty, probably be the No. 1 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."

Nelson isn’t the most exciting option. And if he has a chance to sign with a contender, he will probably go and do that. However, Washington would be an intriguing fit in that he could become a mentor for the wide receivers. The ‘Skins have shown an increased interest in having mentors for their young players, as evidenced by their decision to retain 34-year-old running back Adrian Peterson. Nelson could fall into the same category as Peterson.

Nelson’s presence would afford guys like Trey Quinn, Cam Sims, and whatever other rookies join the team to learn from someone who was once one of the better receivers in the NFL. And, in the interim, Nelson can be a solid, reliable target for Washington. He deserves consideration, at the least, though it’s unlikely that we will actually see Nelson join the Redskins team.

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