The Redskins have declined wide receiver Josh Doctson‘s fifth-year option for 2020, according to JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington (Twitter link).
[RELATED: 2020 Fifth-Year Option Decision Tracker]
Doctson was part of a 2016 first-round receiver class that has — for the most part — failed to live up to expectations. Of the four wideouts selected in the top-32 of that draft, only the Texans’ Will Fuller had his fifth-year option exercised. Vikings pass-catcher Laquon Treadwell joined Doctson in having his option declined, while Corey Coleman‘s option wasn’t even applicable given that he’s been released multiple times.
Had the Redskins picked up his option, Docston would have been due $10.162MM for the 2020 campaign, an untenable figure given his lack of NFL production. Doctson appeared in only two games in his rookie season due to injury, and he averaged just 40 receptions, 517 yards, and four touchdowns in each of the past two years. Efficiency was a problem for the 26-year-old in 2018, as he ranked 96th out of 107 qualifying receivers in yards per route run, per Pro Football Focus.
Washington added two receivers in the 2019 draft, taking Ohio State’s Terry McLaurin in the third round and North Carolina State’s Kelvin Harmon in the sixth. They’ll join a roster that already includes Doctson, Paul Richardson, Brian Quick, and Trey Quinn, among others.
doctson was a total bust from day one… “but with that big body you can throw 50/50 balls to him in the red zone”
If only Will Fuller could stay healthy.
None of those Redskin WRs that are left or just drafted will strike fear into opposing defenses.
Terry McLaurin is 4.3 guy with real grit (special teams ace). Paired with the right possession receiver partner, McLaurin is the deep threat the Redskins need to stretch the field.
With his option declined, Doctson will play much better this year as he’s playing for his payday in 2020. The Redskins very well pay the man at $5 to $8 million/year if Doctson performs well this year. Locking him down at big money would have been a big mistake as that would have guaranteed another two lackluster seasons.
Maybe everybody should get one year contracts?
Always a walk year!
Nelson Agholor is a Super Bowl away from his being declined too. Been some bad WR classes. Only a couple gems.