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Matthew Paras

mparas@washingtontimes.com

Matthew Paras was a digital sports writer for the Washington Times.

Articles by Matthew Paras

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Paul Richardson celebrates in the first half of an NFL football game after score his second touchdown against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

Paul Richardson agrees on five-year deal with Redskins

The Washington Redskins scored their first big haul Tuesday in free agency, agreeing to terms with wide receiver Paul Richardson.

March 13, 2018

Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) warms up before an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Kirk Cousins to visit Vikings, expected to sign: Reports

Kirk Cousins has his first visit set.

March 13, 2018

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin celebrates his goal in the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Winnipeg Jets, Monday, March 12, 2018, in Washington. It was Ovechkin's 600th career goal. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Alex Ovechkin scores 600th career goal in Capitals’ overtime win over Jets

Ovechkin joined Brett Hull, Mario Lemieux and Wayne Gretzky as the only players to score 600 goals in under 1,000 games. He also leads the NHL with the most goals since the 1998-99 season, despite not debuting until 2005.

March 12, 2018

FILE - In this Dec. 24, 2017, file photo, Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins scrambles during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Landover, Md. After agreeing to a trade to acquire quarterback Alex Smith, the Redskins are moving on from the Kirk Cousins era. When the league year opens in mid-March, Cousins will be the top free agent available and find no shortage of suitors for his services. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally, File)

Kirk Cousins pens goodbye to Redskins, fans

"Knowing I will not be putting on a Redskins jersey next season, it's hard to look back at all that's taken place and not become emotional," Kirk Cousins said.

March 12, 2018

Washington Capitals goaltender Philipp Grubauer, right, stops a shot behind San Jose Sharks' Chris Tierney (50) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 10, 2018, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Capitals walking fine line between Philipp Grubauer, Braden Holtby

It would be natural for Philipp Grubauer to relish the opportunity of becoming the Capitals' starting goaltender.

March 12, 2018

FILE - In this Dec. 4, 2016 file photo, Washington Redskins kicker Dustin Hopkins (3) celebrates his field goal with punter Tress Way (5) holds during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Ariz. The Redskins announced today that they have re-signed Hopkins. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Dustin Hopkins re-signs with Redskins

On the eve of free agency, the Washington Redskins re-signed kicker Dustin Hopkins, the team announced Monday.

March 12, 2018

FILE - In this Dec. 13, 2015, file photo, New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) sacks Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) during the first half of an NFL football game, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets have released defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, ending the one-time Pro Bowl selection's stint with the team that drafted him in the first round in 2011. The team made the long-anticipated move on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018, clearing $11 million in salary cap space. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan, File) **FILE**

Muhammad Wilkerson, Allen Robinson among free agents to watch for Redskins

Even though the Washington Redskins will have $31 million in salary cap space, they won't necessarily swing for the fences when the negotiating window for free agency opens Monday.

March 11, 2018

This June 15, 2016 photo shows Washington Redskins' safety Su'a Cravens walking from the field during the NFL football teams minicamp at the Redskins Park in Ashburn, Va. Cravens had to be talked out of retiring on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017 during a meeting with team president Bruce Allen, and his future with the team is in doubt. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Redskins seeking third-round pick for Su’a Cravens: report

The Redskins reportedly haven't had teams meet their asking price, which is why Su'a Cravens hasn't been traded yet.

March 11, 2018

Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) walks on the court during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Tuesday, March 6, 2018, in Washington. The Wizards won 117-113 in overtime. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Bradley Beal shrugs off clutch woes

The Washington Wizards earned a 117-113 overtime victory Tuesday over the Miami Heat, but they almost didn't need the extra quarter.

March 7, 2018

Referee Mike Callahan, left, talks to Washington Wizards head coach Scott Brooks during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers, Sunday, March 4, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Wizards meet with league over officials amid increasing tension

When he interacts with officials, Wizards coach Scott Brooks has noticed only one small change from his playing career to his days on the bench.

March 7, 2018

FILE - In this Dec. 24, 2017, file photo, Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins looks around the stadium before an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Landover, Md. After agreeing to a trade to acquire quarterback Alex Smith, the Redskins are moving on from the Kirk Cousins era. When the league year opens in mid-March, Cousins will be the top free agent available and find no shortage of suitors for his services. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Kirk Cousins ‘open for suggestions’ for next team

With the Washington Redskins not using the franchise tag Tuesday on Kirk Cousins, the 29-year-old quarterback is open for business.

March 7, 2018

Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby (70) stops the puck against Toronto Maple Leafs center Zach Hyman (11) during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, March 3, 2018, in Annapolis, Md. The Capitals won 5-2. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Braden Holby on verge of being replaced by Philipp Grubauer ‘for a bit’

Braden Holtby's drop-off is getting to the point where coach Barry Trotz is now mulling a change in net for the Capitals moving forward.

March 7, 2018

FILE - In this Jan. 10, 2018, file photo, Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) pauses on the court during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz in Washington. Wall will have arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on Wednesday and could miss much of the rest of the regular season, the Wizards announced Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) **FILE**

John Wall does ‘light shooting’ for first time since surgery

Wizards guard John Wall has been out since Jan. 27 with a knee injury

March 6, 2018

Washington Redskins cornerback Deshazor Everett (22) during an NFL football game against Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) ** FILE **

Redskins re-sign Deshazor Everett

The Washington Redskins agreed to a multi-year contract Tuesday with safety Deshazor Everett, the team announced.

March 6, 2018

FILE - In this Dec. 24, 2017, file photo, Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins scrambles during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Landover, Md. After agreeing to a trade to acquire quarterback Alex Smith, the Redskins are moving on from the Kirk Cousins era. When the league year opens in mid-March, Cousins will be the top free agent available and find no shortage of suitors for his services. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally, File)

Redskins don’t use franchise tag on Kirk Cousins

Kirk Cousins is officially on the market.

March 6, 2018

Washington Redskins wide receiver Josh Doctson (18) is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a touchdown during the second half an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Landover, Md., Sunday, Dec 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

NFL releases draft order; Redskins with 7 picks

The Redskins have seven picks in the upcoming draft, but not in all seven rounds.

March 6, 2018

Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden walks across the field before an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Landover, Md., Sunday, Dec 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Kirk Cousins no longer needed, Redskins shift free agent attention elsewhere

With free agency opening next week, quarterback won't be a need for the Washington Redskins. But the Redskins still have plenty to address.

March 5, 2018

Trainers assist Washington Redskins running back Samaje Perine (32) after he's injured on a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

Redskins want upgrade at running back: ‘Ain’t no doubt about it’

Despite a better commitment to the run, the Redskins weren't very good at running the ball in 2017.

March 4, 2018

Maryland wide receiver D.J. Moore participates in the Bench Press at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine on Friday, March 2, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)

D.J. Moore was told to go back to school, he didn’t

At the NFL Scouting Combine, every inch can matter. Just ask D.J. Moore.

March 4, 2018

Alabama defensive lineman Da'Ron Payne (94) celebrates after being selected most valuable defensive player, after the Sugar Bowl semi-final playoff game against Clemson for the NCAA college football national championship, in New Orleans, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018. Alabama won 24-6 to advance to the national championship game. (AP Photo/Rusty Costanza) **FILE**

Jonathan Allen, Ryan Anderson pushing Redskins to draft Da’Ron Payne

The Redskins have a need at defensive tackle.

March 3, 2018