Ron Rivera and the Washington Football Team has cut short a failed project after just one year. Washington released wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden a season after drafting him in the fourth round.
Washington selected Gandy-Golden in the 2020 NFL Draft as a possession receiver with great size at 6-foot-4. His hands were commendable as well. He snagged 210 catches over his final three seasons at Liberty. Each of those seasons resulted in over 1,000 yards.
However, he never hit the ground running in Washington. After a bout with COVID-19, Gandy-Golden struggled throughout training camp when he was available. He made his NFL debut in Week 2 but had just one catch for three yards through his first five games.
He suffered a hamstring injury in Week 6 against the New York Giants running out a deep pass from Kyle Allen. Gandy-Golden went on injured reserve. He returned in Week 16 against the Carolina Panthers. In the game, he played 59 offensive snaps but had zero catches in three targets.
His status on the team looked to be good this season after Washington released Kelvin Harmon earlier this month. Gandy-Golden showed promise during the preseason, grabbing seven catches, including two contested grabs, according to Pro Football Focus.
However like Harmon, Gandy-Golden fell victim to Washington’s overhaul this year at wide receiver. The additions of Curtis Samuel and Adam Humphries in free agency and Dyami Brown and Dax Milne through the draft, limited spots at receiver that is headlined by star Terry McLaurin.
Washington’s wide receiver room is filled with speed and route-runners. Gandy-Golden has struggled to exemplify those skills. He is a practice squad candidate, which could give him an opportunity to continue his development. But for now, Washington has cut the Antonio Gandy-Golden project short.
