This offseason, Washington has undoubtedly improved on defense with the signings of Landon Collins and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. For the first time in years, the Redskins seem to have finally found an elite leader for their secondary in Collins. DRC also adds a much needed veteran presence and depth.



On offense, it’s been a different story. After losing Jamison Crowder to the Jets and Maurice Harris to the Patriots, Washington is left with just two receivers who recorded over 100 yards last season–Paul Richardson Jr. and Josh Doctson. Richardson has already suffered two season-ending injuries in his five-year career while Doctson has been frustratingly inconsistent and relies almost entirely on his size to make plays.



Although this year’s receiver market isn’t exciting and mostly features washed-up stars, the Redskins need to invest in at least another receiver or tight-end. Below are four unspectacular, but needed receivers that the Redskins could target later in the offseason.



Michael Crabtree (FA, 31):

2018 stats (with Baltimore): 16 games started, 607 yards, 3 touchdowns

Crabtree wasn’t very good nor consistent in Baltimore last season. He led the NFL in drops and had his worst full-season totals in receiving yards, catches and touchdowns since his rookie season.



Crabtree would simply be a veteran depth receiver, nothing more and nothing less. At first glance, this move doesn’t seem to be an upgrade over Josh Doctson or Paul Richardson Jr.. However, Crabtree’s career-low 607 receiving yards and three touchdowns still would have put him as the Redskins’ leader in both categories.



Dez Bryant (FA, 30)

2018 stats: N/A, Injury

Dez would be a low-risk, high-reward move for 2018. He sat out much of the 2018 season as a free agent only to tear his achilles during one of his first practices on the Saints. It’s unclear when or if he will be ready to play next season which means he would likely be a bargain. In addition, there was talk last year that Bryant would like to return to the NFC East.



At his best, Bryant was undisputedly one of the best receivers in the NFL. But at 30, Bryant’s numbers have been steadily declining and it remains to see if he can come back from a brutal achilles injury. In Washington, he would have the chance to revitalize his career and play twice a year against the Cowboys.



AJ Green (Bengals, 30)

2018 stats: eight games started, 687 yards, six touchdowns

Unlike the other names on this list, AJ Green would be an exciting trade target if the Redskins were trying to go all-in in the next few years. This move could change many opinions on the Redskins’ chances to with the NFC East this upcoming season.



Despite missing eight games last season due to a toe injury, Green has been one of the most consistent receivers in the NFL with 1,000 yards in six out of his seven full seasons. This trade would finally give Washington a true number one receiver that opposing defenses have to plan for.



The Redskins would likely have to give up multiple picks in order to make this deal plausible but it isn’t crazy–especially after both Antonio Brown and Odell Beckham Jr. were traded in the same week. Furthermore, Green’s contract has him set to become a free agent next year so the Bengals–who are not close to competing–would likely want to receive some sort of compensation if he does decide to leave. There have also been reports Washington is looking to make a “big splash” this offseason at receiver and Green would be just that. And it doesn’t hurt that Jay Gruden was Green’s offensive coordinator during some of his most productive seasons.

-Sam Shiffman