Former Iowa State standout Hakeem Butler was one of five wide receivers to work out with the Washington Football Team Monday. Butler was waived by the Arizona Cardinals during final cuts after being a fourth-round pick in 2019.
Washington also worked out former Louisiana Tech quarterback J’Mar Smith and veteran tight end Temarrick Hemingway.
Beyond Terry McLaurin, wide receiver is a position of need for Washington even as the 2020 season is under way. While Steven Sims Jr. has flashed as a slot receiver, Washington needs a viable No. 2 option opposite of McLaurin.
McLaurin and Sims combined for eight catches and 111 yards in Sunday’s win over the Philadelphia Eagles. However, Dontrelle Inman had two catches for 21 yards on five targets.
Neither Antonio Gandy-Golden, Isaiah Wright nor Cam Sims received an offensive snap in the game.
Butler had a breakout year as a junior at Iowa State in 2018. He was selected by the Cardinals in the 2019 draft. But a broken in preseason landed him on injured reserve as a rookie. With the addition of Deandre Hopkins, Butler became expendable for the Cardinals in 2020.
Washington has Cam Sims, Tony Brown and Shelton Gibson at wide receiver on their practice squad. Surely the workouts are more likely for the practice squad. But the lack of proven depth at wide receiver, has Washington looking at all options.
