The Seahawks signed receiver Paul Richardson Jr. on Saturday, bringing back the player who was their top pick in the 2014 draft. Defensive end Eli Mencer was waived/injured to make room on the 80-man roster.
Richardson joined the Seahawks as the No. 45 overall pick in 2014 after Seattle traded back from the end of the first round, and spent four seasons with the Seahawks before signing with Washington as a free agent in 2018. After playing mostly in a reserve role early in his career and missing almost the entire 2015 season due to injury, Richardson had a breakout 2017 season, catching 44 passes for 703 yards and six touchdowns while starting 13 of 16 games played. Richardson also made one of the more impressive catches in franchise postseason history, hauling in a one-handed touchdown grab despite defensive pass interference in a Wild Card win over Detroit.
After signing with Washington, Richardson appeared in 17 games over two seasons, recording 48 receptions for 507 yards and four touchdowns. He was released by Washington in February.
Mencer signed with the Seahawks as an undrafted rookie out of Albany in May. Mencer would revert to Seattle's injured reserve list if he clears waivers.
A look back at some of the best photos of wide receiver Paul Richardson from his first stint with the Seattle Seahawks, 2014-2017. Richardson signed with Seattle as a free agent on August 29, 2020.
They call this the football version "high pointing". Ascending to the peak point in order to make a reception. Despite admirable defense by the Rams Janoris Jenkins, receiver Paul Richardson outleaps him to make a 32-yard reception that set up Seattle's first score.
Receiver Paul Richardson saw extended playing time in the absence of injured teammate Tyler Lockett.
Paul Richardson takes a bow after his two-yard touchdown reception tied the game at 31-31 with 1:00 remaining in the game.
With the game still scoreless, the Seahawks went for it on fourth down, and receiver Paul Richardson reached around his defender to make this acrobatic touchdown catch.
Seattle's Paul Richardson gets a step on Detroit's Nevin Lawson and makes a one-handed catch for 27-yards.
With Detroit's Nevin Lawson holding his right arm, Seattle's Paul Richardson uses his left hand to complete the one-handed catch.
Wide receiver Paul Richardson catches a long pass up the right sideline.
Seahawks receiver Paul Richardson celebrates after his touchdown reception closed the gap with the Titans.
Paul Richardson catches a 38-yard touchdown pass from Russell Wilson on a flea-flicker play. The touchdown extended Seattle's lead to 17-7.
Paul Richardson celebrates his touchdown with teammates Luke Willson and Oday Aboushi.
