Washington Redskins: Paul Richardson brings much-needed speed to offense

The Washington Redskins added former Seattle receiver Paul Richardson on the first day of free agency. Richardson’s speed is a welcome addition to the offense.

The Washington Redskins allowed the best speed receiver in the game to depart via free agency just one year ago when DeSean Jackson chose Tampa Bay over the Redskins. Jackson’s speed was missed in 2017 and head coach Jay Gruden desperately wanted to add a speedy wideout on the outside in 2018.

Enter Paul Richardson.

Richardson, a four-year veteran out of Colorado, had a breakout season of sorts for the Seahawks in 2017. He established career-highs in receptions (44), yards (703) and touchdowns (6), which made him a commodity on the free-agent market. Health has always been the biggest knock on Richardson and for the first time in his career, he also played in all 16 games in 2017.

During Jackson’s three years in Washington, Gruden got accustomed to his big plays. Jackson averaged 19 yards per reception from 2014-16. In 2017, backup tight end Vernon Davis led Washington with 15 yards per reception. The lack of a true downfield threat limited Washington’s offense last season. Richardson brings the ability to take the lid off the defense and even if he doesn’t have big games, the threat of the big play is always looming.

New quarterback Alex Smith proved doubters wrong in 2017, proving he could be an efficient downfield passer. Many critics believed much of Smith’s success deep was due to the presence of Tyreek Hill. However, that wasn’t necessarily true.

Richardson did some of his best work last season working with Russell Wilson when the play broke down. Smith also happens to be terrific on off-schedule plays. Former quarterback Kirk Cousins was never strong when the play broke down. He would often freeze in the pocket or make an ill-advised throw. That’s not Smith. And Richardson is the kind of receiver who will work back to his quarterback. Richardson’s presence should also make things easier for Chris Thompson, Jordan Reed, Jamison Crowder and Josh Doctson.

Richardson isn’t a one-trick pony, either. He isn’t afraid to go over the middle and make contested catches. During his introductory press conference on Thursday, Richardson had a perfect response when asked about going across the middle.

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Addressing the receiver position was Washington’s biggest need on offense. In Richardson, the Redskins addressed this need. Kansas City signed Sammy Watkins for an average of $16 million per season. Washington got Richardson for $8 million per year. Not bad.