The Washington Redskins made their big splash this offseason when they signed free agent safety Landon Collins to a six-year deal. While this filled a position of need, there are still some glaring holes on the roster.
One of those holes is at wide receiver, and getting a veteran like Jordy Nelson should be a top priority now.
Last season, the Washington Redskins passing attack was almost non-existent. They finished with just over 3,000 passing yards (this does include sacks).
Sure, you could chalk it up to the injuries they had at quarterback – but that's simply not a great excuse. In the 10 games Alex Smith played, he had 2,180 yards in the air. The Redskins weren't exactly on-pace for record-breaking numbers.
Besides, at the moment – Washington's still not carrying much weight at the quarterback position. Maybe some extra help at receiver could make a difference though.
Last season – the Redskins had just one player with over 50 receptions (only two others topped 30). They also had just two players with over 500 receiving yards (they were also the only two with over 400 yards.
For the record, Jordan Reed was the one player with over 50 receptions (54). Josh Doctson had 44 and Chris Thompson (a running back) had 41. The next two men on that list were Jamison Crowder (29 receptions) and Maurice Harris (28), both aren't on the team anymore.
Yards wise, Reed had 558 and Doctson had 532. The next highest was Crowder (again not on the team anymore) with 388.
This is clearly a problem and something the Washington Redskins need to address as soon as possible. They're not in a great position when it comes to cap space, but they have enough to make something work.
That's where Jordy Nelson comes in. He'll be 34 before the start of next season and isn't the same player he was a few years ago. That means the Redskins won't have to break the bank to get him.
Now, I know that sounds unappealing. An aging receiver who isn't his former Pro Bowl self.
Look at the stats though. Nelson appeared in 15 games for the Oakland Raiders last season. He did so with weird sporadic playing time as well. There was also an unusual culture surrounding the team, and while the QB situation was better than Washington's, let's not pretend like there wasn't controversy at the position.
Despite all that, Nelson trumped any receiver of Washington's when it comes to stats in 2018. His 63 receptions were nine better than Redskins' leader Jordan Reed. Meanwhile, his 739 yards were 181 yards more than the leader (Reed again).
The saddest part though? Nelson's three touchdown receptions were one more than anyone on the Redskins. If you need anything non-stat related, at 6-3, Nelson would be the tallest wide receiver on the Redskins not named Cam Sims (who has no NFL stats).
Jordy Nelson isn't the superstar wide receiver he was from 2011 through 2016. He's still an exceptionally talented player though. He gives the Redskins something they don't have in multiple categories.
Nelson would be a veteran leader at the position. One who has seen it all and done it all. He also gives them size and range as someone who can be an at least semi-legitimate deep threat. His hand present an upgrade as well.
Nelson's 71.6% catch rate last season (percentage of targets thrown his way he caught) was higher than any non-running back on Washington with more than 10 targets.
To be fair, Trey Quinn had a bonkers 90% catch rate, but only had 10 targets.
Jordy Nelson would immediately become the Washington Redskins top receiver. He would fit nicely with Doctson on the outside, and could probably teach him a thing-or-two as well.
They'd also be nice compliments to Quinn and Paul Richardson who would give the Skins more quickness.
In the end, Nelson would help everyone involved. He'd make life easier for the quarterback (whoever that ends up being) as they'd have a true veteran and reliable target at receiver.
He'd also take a ton of pressure off Doctson to perform and free up Reed from less double-team coverage.
Although many may believe his best years are behind him, Jordy Nelson is still in the NFL for a reason. The 33-year-old can still produce – and he'd be an extremely welcome addition to the Washington Redskins.
If they were smart, they'd scoop him up before someone else inevitably does.
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