Washington Football Team: Why Washington must sign Kenny Golladay

What Kenny Golladay brings to the table

Golladay is a proven WR1, who can operate from both the X and Z positions. His dynamic impact on games proves to be true, as Golladay is one of the premier three-level pass-catchers in the NFL today. His broad skill set, along with his Pro Bowl production, gives Scott Turner and this offense so much to work with. His skill set can add new dimensions to this offense, while also bolstering the passing attack.

Back in 2019, Golladay’s impact at all three levels was proven. When targeted in short, intermediate, and deep ranges, he had a catch percentage of 56.9%, while having his targets spread out nearly equally across the board at all three levels.

His average depth of target was 16.5 yards in 2019, and he had a successful contested catch percentage of over 64%. While he is one of the best deep threats in the game, his ability to catch through contact, as well as be effective horizontally as a pass-catcher, is perfect for the Turner offense.

Last season, the Washington Football Team’s passing offense truly thrived when taking advantage of the intermediate passing game. That’s an area where Golladay succeeds in, as in 2019, he was given a receiving grade of 98.0 as an intermediate pass catcher. Subsequently, he was given Pro Bowl recognition.

In 2020, his work from intermediate and deep range was limited, but still effective. He combined for a catch percentage from both areas of the field of 63.1%. He also had a successful contested catch percentage of 100%, with a passer rating of over 123 when targeted in both areas of the field.

Golladay is one of the most efficient and explosive wideouts in the game today. He can open up the short and intermediate passing game for guys like Logan Thomas and Terry McLaurin. He also will bring an explosive, big-play dynamic to an offense that desperately needs it.

Golladay’s fit in the Scott Turner offense is a dream for the coordinator, but also for QB’s alike. Turner loves to work the quick passing game, but the offense flowed at its best when attacking the 10-19 yard passing game.

This offense needs a dynamic element, and it needs playmakers who can secure the ball. One of Golladay’s strengths is simply “making plays”. He’s one of the most sure-handed wideouts in the game, as over the last three seasons, his average drop percentage is at 4.9 percent. Thus, he offers a security blanket at the position.

Washington’s biggest question here isn’t fit, whatsoever. Both McLaurin and Golladay can flip inside and outside, and both are dynamic enough to be effective at any position on the field and any level of the passing game.

The monetary aspect is the toughest call here, but with the cap being lower than expected, combined with Golladay’s injury-plagued 2020 season, Washington could potentially end up with a bargain.

Whether it be a long-term deal of $15 million, or a one-year, high guaranteed-dollar contract, he’s definitely the wideout you need across from Terry McLaurin.

The presence of Golladay would put defenses in a spot where they’re playing two deep safeties more often. This would limit the number of combination coverages and schematic alternatives available for a defense to use against Golladay and McLaurin.

The fit is fantastic, and the production is evident. All that needs to happen next, is Kenny Golladay signing on the dotted line, committing to become a Washington Football Teamer.