Added wide receivers could lead to Moss getting cut
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The Redskins didn’t solve all their needs on the first day — just, perhaps, the most glaring one. They needed — again — quality receivers.
And now that they’ve added Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan and — as of Wednesday evening — were pursuing a third, the Redskins clearly have transformed the unit. Is it better? On paper, they’re certainly younger and faster. And that’s a good place to start.
There’s still work to be done. The Redskins will host free agent cornerback Aaron Ross on Friday. Washington wants a third corner, one who can cover slot receivers, alongside DeAngelo Hall and Josh Wilson. The Redskins hosted safety Brandon Meriweather on Wednesday.
They also will continue to seek help along the offensive line — possibly more for depth than starters.
For now, though, it’s all about the new receivers and the questions they bring with them:
What does this mean for the other receivers? » Clearly a few are in jeopardy of losing a roster spot. If the Redskins sign slot receiver Eddie Royal, there’s a good chance Santana Moss would be cut. They fill the same role, and Moss was unproductive last season.
Jabar Gaffney set career highs in catches (68) and yards (947) and would provide a veteran presence for a young quarterback, whether it’s Robert Griffin III or Andrew Luck. But the coaches are high on Leonard Hankerson, so Gaffney’s playing time could be reduced. Garcon averaged 5.2 yards after the catch; Gaffney averaged 2.5. That stat is a meaningful one to the coaches.
Niles Paul should be safe thanks to his special teams play. Terrence Austin does a lot of what Royal can do, so he would be in jeopardy as well. But that’s not a lock, and if Royal doesn’t sign, Austin still could play a role. Brandon Banks’ job as a punt returner would be impacted by Royal, who can do that job as well.
Do the Redskins have a No. 1 receiver? » Probably not. But it might not matter.
“It’s less important now,” former NFL scout Dave Razzano said. “You just have to have a bunch of good players. Sometimes when you have a No. 1, your offense revolves too much around them. Spread it around … unless you have a Calvin Johnson-type, then you go to him more down the field. In Washington’s system, they have a lot of options. The more the merrier.”
The Redskins have enough targets. In a best-case scenario for Washington, Garcon and Morgan play well, and coupled with Hankerson and tight end Fred Davis, the Redskins have a good passing attack. Also, the design of the plays, with misdirection and bootlegs, often gets wideouts open. So, too, does the Redskins’ ability to line up tight ends wide as passing threats.
Finally, the better Griffin (or Luck) fares at quarterback, the less you will hear about not having a true No. 1.
“Quarterbacks make the receiver, not the other way around,” one longtime general manager said.
How long will they take to mesh? » Consider this: The Redskins might have three new receivers, a fourth who appeared in just four games and a new quarterback. And all but one will be learning a new offense. It’s a lot to ask to be in sync immediately. The rookie quarterback will have a tough enough adjustment as it is. Plus, he will be throwing to targets with whom he has not yet built a trust. That takes time.
