Redskins Prefer To Trade WR Josh Doctson Before Week 1?

A source close the situation tells Ben Standig of the Athletic that the Redskins have “lost faith” in former first-round WR Josh Doctson and would like to trade him before Week 1.

Standig has Doctson on the roster bubble in his latest 53-man projection, but says Washington would obviously prefer to trade him, even though they may only be able to get a fifth- or sixth-round pick for him.

JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington mentioned last week during an appearance on Sirius XM NFL Radio that the Redskins have attempted to trade Doctson the past two years, but no deal has surfaced.

“The team made a pretty big action when they didn’t pick up the fifth-year option on Josh Doctson’s rookie deal, so he’s gonna be a free agent after this season,” Finlay said, via 106.7 The Fan. “What I can tell you from sources, they’ve tried to trade Doctson for two years. They haven’t been able to trade him. It wouldn’t shock me if they’re still trying, if there’s still calls going on about that.”

Doctson’s future in Washington is in question after failing to live up to his draft status. However, Finlay admits that there’s a range of outcomes for him this season, everything from being the team’s top receiver to being cut next week. 

“And, honestly, the entire Doctson experience could happen this year,” Finlay said. “It wouldn’t shock me if he was their leading wide receiver, if he went for 500-600 yards receiving. I think if Jordan Reed‘s healthy, he’ll be the No. 1 target, certainly, but I could see Doctson getting… he’s never had a 100-yard game in the NFL, so tell that to his truthers.”

“The athletic ability is there, but it never all comes together. I wouldn’t be shocked if Josh Doctson gets cut when they go down to 53. I don’t expect it to happen, but Jay Gruden and the front office made a big proclamation when they didn’t pick up that option. And so, if you don’t think Doctson’s going to significantly help you as a wideout, we know he’s not gonna help you on special teams.”

Last month, Doctson said he anticipates becoming a free agent and testing the open market in 2020. 

“I think I’m hitting free agency next year. I won’t be the first, won’t be the last,” Doctson said via ESPN’s John Keim. “It’s nothing to be sad about, be mad about. Someone wants you there, so it’s all love.”

The Redskins declined to exercise Doctson’s fifth-year option this offseason and drafted two other receivers in April, clearly indicating Doctson isn’t in their long-term plans.

Doctson, 26, was taken in the first round out of TCU in 2016 by the Redskins. He signed a four-year, $10.049 million contract and is slated to make a base salary of $1,820,406 for the 2019 season.

In 2018, Doctson appeared in 15 games for the Redskins and caught 44 passes for 532 yards receiving (12.1 YPC) and two touchdowns.