Atlanta Falcons Sign 5-Year Veteran Wide Receiver

The Atlanta Falcons have bolstered their wide receiver corps by signing veteran James Washington, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts. 

Washington, 28, was a second-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2018 and spent four seasons in Pittsburgh, amassing 114 catches for 1,629 yards and 11 touchdowns. 

His standout season came in 2019 when he recorded 44 receptions for 735 yards and three touchdowns. 

Despite his early success, Washington struggled to maintain his momentum and was eventually overshadowed by other receivers like Diontae Johnson, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Chase Claypool.

The #Falcons are signing veteran WR James Washington, sources say. Washington had 114 catches for 1,629 yards and 11 TDs over four years with the #Steelers (2018-21), the last two of which he was coached by Ike Hilliard, now Atlanta’s WR coach. pic.twitter.com/FvbJCTIDKq

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 29, 2024

After leaving the Steelers, Washington signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 2022, but a foot fracture limited him to just two games. 

Last season, he spent time on the practice squads of the New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, and Indianapolis Colts. 

Now, Washington joins a relatively thin Falcons wide receiver room that includes Drake London, Darnell Mooney, and Rondale Moore. 

His familiarity with Falcons wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard, who coached him for two years in Pittsburgh, could be advantageous as he seeks to secure a spot on the 53-man roster.

The #Falcons are signing veteran WR James Washington to a 1-year deal.

Washington had 114 catches for 1,629 yards and 11 TDs over four years with the #Steelers (2018-21) now heads to Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/Iu3c7sVQzY

— Blitz Alerts (@BlitzAlerts) July 29, 2024

The Falcons, looking to add depth and experience to their receiver lineup, see Washington as a potential WR4 option if he makes the team. 

With training camp underway, Washington will have the opportunity to prove himself and potentially revamp his career under the guidance of quarterback Kirk Cousins and coach Hilliard.

Photo Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports