This is a 2001-like signing, not a certainty of anything.
If you step back from it, I would not think I filled a hole if Kelly washington was being relied on to contribute a lot. But, if you are looking for a guy with a high upside for the price, no doubt he fits that bill.
As far as I'm concerned, if you say his production was what is was because of the other WRs on the team, you should probably expect him to get cut, because ANY good healthy WR would have found his way to catching passes on the Bengals the last 2 years. If you chalk it up to injuries (which I believe is more accurate) then you have a guy with potential, who hasn't been able to stay healthy, but if he had probably would have some nice production in Cincy, then its a gamble with a decent chance of paying off.
To me Washingtons signing is Patten-Chas Johnson-Torrance small-Bert Emanuel of 2001. We signed all of them as possibilities (I think washington is closest to Patten since the others were on the declining part of their career).
Some were going to make it some werent. The ones that did were also questionable what they would produce. We lost nothing by bringing in the guys who didnt make it and won a SB with Patten as a major contributor, and Johnson as an unproductive 3rd WR.
Where will Washington fall? Quite frankly, if my understanding of his ability, upside, issues, and downside is correct, he could be anywhere from our leading receiver next year to cut, or anywhere in between. I couldn't guess at the most likely.
Remember, coming out of college, Washington was a potential Superstar #1 WR, and surefire top half of round 1 pick, but he had a potentially career threatening injury that dropped him to the 3rd round. IIRC, when he was drafted there were still questions of whether he would be able to play as a rookie if ever.
I am ALL for bringing in a guy who has that kind of upside, and the downside of being cut at almost no cost. I feel a little more confident in him because apparently other teams were interested, so I dont think its certain that his potential of 4 years ago can never be realized.
