Joining the Redskins on Thursday, wide receiver Paul Richardson Jr. said it was "mind blowing" to know how much Washington wanted him, but he's excited to get to work with his new team.
Paul Richardson Jr.'s addition in free agency gives the Washington Redskins an extra layer to their offense: speed.
Coming out of a decorated college career at Colorado in which he either tied or set 44 school records, Richardson dazzled at the 2014 NFL Combine, running the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds. His NFL Draft profile noted that Richardson was "fluid and field fast" with the ability to stretch the field vertically.
While both Josh Doctson and Jamison Crowder have their strengths, neither can get up the field as quickly as Richardson. That should help Washington's offense in 2018.
"Speed downfield, blocking the run game, I have a lot of fun catching and making plays with the ball in my hand and I know I have an opportunity to do that here," Richardson said on Thursday about what he brings to the Redskins.
After appearing mostly in a reserve role during his first three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, Richardson was more prominently featured in 2017, as he appeared in all 16 games with 13 starts. In total, the six-foot, 183 pounder recorded 44 receptions for 703 yards and six touchdown, all of which were easily career highs.
Richardson was also at his best late in games, as he totaled 330 receiving yards and four touchdowns in the fourth quarter of games last year. Additionally, he caught seven passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns when Seattle was within seven in the final frame.
With that production, Richardson was primed to be a coveted free agent. But no team wanted him more than the Redskins.
The Washington Redskins on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, announced the signing of wide receiver Paul Richardson. Take a look back at his NFL career.
"It was kind of mind blowing," Richardson said. "I never really thought [about] free agency being a possibility, to be able to be a part of this organization, to hear that from my agent, I was excited. I was like, 'Well, get the deal done. Let's get there.'"
Richardson added that his agent continued to explain just how much Washington wanted him on the roster.
"He made clear to me, 'These guys want you and they need you,'" Richardson said. "He was so honest with me and he was just like, 'This is the perfect situation for you.' And I talked to some of my friends who play ball who've been here and they had nothing but good things to say about this place, so I felt like I was making the best decision for me."
With Richardson's tenure in Washington just beginning, he's ready to get to work and acclimate to his new surroundings and teammates.
"I'm looking forward to meeting my teammates and fans, man," Richardson said. "I know that it gets crazy out here. It was crazy when I came out here my rookie year and had to see you guys. [Your] guys' fans traveled to Seattle to play against the Seahawks so, I can't wait to meet them and get involved with the guys."
