The Redskins are looking to move away from wide receiver Josh Doctson and before the regular season. According to Ben Standig of the Athletic, the Redskins are hoping to trade Doctson before Week 1 of the regular season even if the are only able to get a late-round draft pick in return.
Last week, JP Finlay of NBC Sports reported that the Redskins had tried to trade the disappointing Doctson over the past two seasons to no avail.
Doctson, a first-round pick in 2016 NFL Draft, never quite lived up to expectations for the Redskins. His career got off to a shaky start, as he was limited to two games with an Achilles injury.
Doctson has since played in 31 of possible 32 games, however, he had 502 and 532 receiving yards in 2017 and 2018, respectively.
Through his first three seasons with the Redskins, Doctson has 81 receptions for 1,100 receiving yards and eight touchdowns while catching just 50 percent of his targeted passes.
While he has the potential of using his length and size by out-jumping defenders, he has struggled to create separation from defensive backs. Earlier this year, the Redskins opted not to exercise a fifth-year option on his rookie deal. Doctson replied that he expects to hit free agency following the 2019 season.
“I think I’m hitting free agency next year. I won’t be the first, won’t be the last,” Doctson said in July per ESPN’s John Keim. “It’s nothing to be sad about, be mad about. Someone wants you there, so it’s all love.”
As the Redskins approach cutting their roster down from 90 to 53 players, Doctson appears to have fallen down the wide receiver depth chart. Paul Richardson, rookie Terry McLaurin, and 2017 seventh-round pick Trey Quinn appear to be the top three Redskins wide receivers. Meanwhile, Cam Sims, Robert Davis, and rookie Kelvin Harmon each have more potential and a higher ceiling than Doctson.
That leaves the former TCU product now turned Redskins’ draft bust possibly looking in from the outside trying to make Washington’s final roster. It appears the Redskins hope to recoup something before they part ways with their failed pick.
