Falcons add former Steelers leader in free agency

Dec 27, 2010; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons helmet on the field before a game against the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Kirk Cousins ​​​​gets a new weapon to throw to in Atlanta.

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported Monday that the Steelers are signing veteran wide receiver James Washington. The 28-year-old former second-round pick is making an NFL comeback after going unsigned for the 2023 season.

Washington began his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2018, leading them with 735 receiving yards in 2019. But Washington left to sign with the Dallas Cowboys for the 2022 campaign and suffered a fractured foot in training camp, costing him all but two games that year. Washington subsequently spent time on practice and offseason teams with the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts, but has not played in an NFL game in over a year and a half.

The Falcons may be happy to give Washington a chance given his familiarity with new Atlanta WRs coach Ike Hilliard, himself a former NFL receiver who coached the Washington WRs in Pittsburgh from 2020-21. Atlanta also appears poised for a complete overhaul of its offense this season, and Washington could contribute with its hands and ability as a deep-ball threat.