The Washington Redskins are parting ways with Josh Doctson.
Washington plans to release its 2016 first-rounder Saturday as the team finalizes the 53-man roster, according to multiple reports. The Redskins had tried to trade Doctson, only to find a lack of interest.
Doctson’s rumored exit has been gaining momentum over the past few weeks, as the 26-year-old underwhelmed in training camp and the preseason. The Redskins, too, are high on their young receivers, and this move paves the way for third-rounder Terry McLaurin to start.
In three seasons, Doctson rarely made an impact with the Redskins. He got off to a poor start his rookie season, missing 14 games with an Achilles injury. In 2017, Doctson showed flashes — hauling in six touchdowns — but was largely inconsistent. Last year, Doctson showed more of the same, finishing with only 532 yards on 44 catches.
Doctson’s salary was mostly guaranteed, so the Redskins will have $2.5 million in dead money left on the books after the move. The Redskins, however, will save $620,000 after releasing Doctson, according to Over The Cap.
The NFL Network first reported the news.
In May, the Redskins failed to pick up Doctson’s fifth-year option, a decision that signaled the receiver’s long-term future in Washington was in doubt. His pending release Saturday only accelerates that issue.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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