When the Washington Redskins drafted Josh Doctson in the first round of the NFL Draft, something had to give from an already-loaded wide receiver depth chart. Andre Roberts is the odd man out, as NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported his release Tuesday.
Rapoport adds the move saves the Redskins $3 million against the salary cap.
The Washington Post first reported the news.
The 28-year-old signed with the Redskins back in 2014 on a four-year, $16 million contract. He caught 47 passes for 588 yards and two touchdowns over two years in D.C. Roberts was also the team's primary return specialist in 2014.
While the team is not closing the door on a reunion, Roberts simply got squeezed out. The Redskins likely want to give more reps to young, emerging players. At the moment, 2015 fourth-round pick Jamison Crowder should factor in as the team's third wide receiver while Doctson gets up to speed.
Crowder's development last year also made the move possible. The former Duke wideout starred at the 2015 Senior Bowl before catching 59 passes for 604 yards and two touchdowns in his rookie season. He also factored in on punt returns.
Roberts caught 182 passes for 2,123 yards and 11 touchdowns over his first four seasons in Arizona. In a fairly uneven wide receiver market, Roberts should find a home quickly if he doesn't intend on waiting out the Redskins.
