Report: Redskins expected to release Josh Doctson if they can’t trade him

Per reports, the Washington Redskins are expected to release disillusioned wide receiver Josh Doctson if they can’t find a trade partner for him.

The Washington Redskins receiving core has been an area of great interest this offseason. Clashing themes of established mediocrity and unproven talent have rendered the unit a bottom-three position group in the league, but several players have shown off undeniable athletic potential in preseason.

Consequently, a debate has arisen over who the Redskins should keep, and who they should let go. It’s already been confirmed that the Redskins are letting go 2018 preseason standout Cam Sims to save room for upstart UDFA rookie and return specialist Steven Sims Jr. Now, we have reports that the Redskins are set to let go of former first-round pick Josh Doctson, if they can’t find a trade partner for him. NFL insider Ian Rapoport confirmed the development.

It’s a sensible decision for the Redskins front office, and it’s been a long time coming. Doctson has never amounted to what he was expected to be in D.C. An elite athlete out of TCU, injuries, poor coaching, and a lack of individual consistency have combined to render Doctson a bust from the 2016 NFL Draft class.

Keeping Doctson wouldn’t make sense for Washington, as Doctson himself has said he won’t be in the nation’s capital next year. With high-upside receivers such as Robert Davis, Darvin Kidsy, and Steven Sims Jr. making waves in preseason, holding a roster spot for a receiver in a lame duck year, as opposed to giving other players a chance, wasn’t in the cards.

Rapoport said that the Redskins are working hard to trade Doctson, but an underwhelming player in the final year of his rookie deal won’t garner much interest, especially if he’s going to be released in lieu of a trade. A team at the end of the waiver wire could throw in a late-round pick, if they see enough potential to pounce, but in all likelihood, Doctson could leave with Washington getting nothing in return, besides roster flexibility.

A conclusion to the Doctson saga is bound to be reached at some point today, and when it does, we’ll have it here on Riggo’s Rag. Stick with us, and be sure to stay up to date with the live cuts tracker, linked above.