Paul Richardson wants to show he’s more than a deep threat

ASHBURN — A former Washington Redskins receiver helped Paul Richardson become one.

When the Redskins expressed interest, Richardson went to Pierre Garcon, who spent five years with Washington. The two share the same agent and have developed a friendship. Garcon, who now plays for the San Francisco 49ers, detailed the Redskins’ scheme and coaching staff.

“I looked up to him a lot,” Richardson said. “And I talked to him and he said, ’Man it doesn’t even matter. They need a receiver, I think you’d be a great fit there.’ … For him to say that after leaving here, it meant a lot to me.”

Richardson was introduced Thursday at Redskins Park for the first time since signing a five-year, $40 million contract with $20 million guaranteed. He’ll aim to fill the Redskins’ need for a deep-threat burner, a role he previously held with the Seattle Seahawks.

But Richardson said he wants to be known more than that. The 25-year-old wideout is coming off a career-high 44 receptions for 703 yards with six touchdowns, a season in which he played the majority of snaps for the first time.

Richardson’s 2017 campaign was promising, but the receiver says he doesn’t even think he’s scratched his potential yet.

“I think with my frame, I was able to surprise people how I attack the ball in the air,” Richardson said. “That’s a lot for a guy to do, especially for a guy running fast. I just want to compete for balls downfield, make plays going across the middle. Catch-and-run, man. I haven’t been able to do that, so I’ll finally be able to do that.”

Richardson queried Garcon about his new team, but he compares more closely to former Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson. Both have the ability to stretch the field and attack downfield. The Redskins have missed Jackson’s speed since he left for Tampa Bay last offseason.

Some players don’t like comparisons, but RIchardson said it was only natural, given they’re both speedy wideouts from Los Angeles. Richardson said he looks up to Jackson “a lot” and thinks they share some of the same qualities.

Senior vice president of player personnel Doug Williams said the team targeted Richardson after watching him on tape. The Redskins moved quickly, agreeing to terms on the first day teams could legally negotiate with agents.

Richardson acknowledged that living up to the contract can be “a little bit of a burden,” but the deal brings motivation. The 2014 second-rounder said he always has something to prove.

In Seattle, Richardson had to show the coaching staff he belonged on the field — and could stay there. Richardson’s health has slowed him down during his career. He’s torn his ACL twice: once in college (2012) and then in 2015 during an NFC playoff game. When he returned nine games into the following season, Richardson tore his hamstring and was shut down.

But Richardson played 16 games for the first time last year.

Redskins coach Jay Gruden said he isn’t concerned about Richardson’ injury history.

“He’s had a couple knees here and there, but he’s recovered nicely,” Gruden said. “When you watch him on tape, he can still fly. You can feel his speed on tape.”

Gruden said he’s looking forward to lining Richardson up all over the field. That could include sending him over the middle — an area of the field where Richardson doesn’t shy away from.

Going over the middle can expose receivers to big hits, but Richardson downplayed the concern.

“They’ve got to catch me,” Richardson said, laughing. “I’m not big on trash talk and all that stuff, but you’ve got to catch me.”