The Redskins could be on the verge of a Valentine’s Day massacre. Shortly after cutting Josh Norman, they released wide receiver Paul Richardson, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL.com (on Twitter). 
[RELATED: Redskins Release Josh Norman]
The Redskins gave Richardson a five-year, $40MM contract in 2018 with the expectation that he would take off in his prime years. Things, unfortunately, did not work out. Injuries have limited the former second-round pick to just 17 combined games over the last two seasons. resulting in a combined stat line of 48 catches, 507 yards, and four touchdowns. He also averaged just 10.6 yards per grab; the Redskins expected him to be a deep threat.
By releasing Richardson, the Redskins will save $2.5MM and incur $6MM in dead money. It’s a steep price to pay, but the Redskins’ new regime did not see much value in keeping him on the roster.
Richardson was something of a one-year wonder. He made noise in 2016 with the Seahawks as a supporting target, but he took a giant leap forward in 2017 as he caught 44 passes for 703 yards and six touchdowns. That averaged out to 16 yards per grab and positioned him as one of the best available receivers in the forthcoming free agent class.
The Colorado product’s natural ability has never been in question; his ability to stay on the field has been the main issue. Thanks to an ACL in Seattle’s divisional playoff win against the Panthers, he missed Super Bowl XLIX and all but one game in 2015. In six seasons as a pro, Richardson has only been healthy for about half of them.
The redskins overpaid for a player who turned out to be a dud, never heard of such a thing
Albert Haynesworth lol
Should the Redskins really be paying $2.5 million for three or four games of middling productivity? The answer is no of course. For $2.5 million they will get a season of that kind of play from another receiver. Mistakes happen.
Mistakes is what Washington does best a far cry from their hey day. Sad…..