Detroit Lions: 3 free agent wide receivers to consider signing

Paul Richardson

This seems like an obvious choice.  Paul Richardson emerged on the scene with the Seattle Seahawks during the 2016 NFL Playoffs.  Richardson is very familiar with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Darrel Bevell who, of course, came from Seattle.

During that 2016 playoff run, Richardson made seven receptions totaling 131 yards and a touchdown.  If you recall, Richardson seemed to play larger than his 6-foot frame would suggest, but he effortlessly continued to make big catches down the sideline for his quarterback Russell Wilson.

That playoff success in 2016 did spill over into 2017.  Richardson made 44 catches totaling a career-high 703 yards totaling six touchdowns.  The problem is that it became the high-water mark of Richardson’s career to date. The 28-year old receiver struck a five-year deal with the Washington Redskins after his 2017 success totaling $40-million.

In his two years with Washington, Richardson failed to reach 275 yards receiving in either season, adding four touchdowns over the two years, making 48 total receptions.

This Winter the Washington Football Team decided to part ways with Richardson, leaving a team like the Detroit Lions an opportunity to pounce on a player with some tread left on his tires and joining an offensive coordinator he’s familiar with and a system he enjoyed success with in the past.

Richardson was due to account for $6.5 million against the cap, but for just $2-million Washington decided to cut him loose.  He’s a player the Detroit Lions should consider bringing into camp to compete for the team’s fifth spot on the depth chart.