Former Steelers Veteran Wide Receiver Reportedly Signs With Falcons

Since leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021 as a free agent, wide receiver James Washington has dealt with injuries and hasn’t seen the field since 2022.

The Steelers selected Washington in the second round of the 2018 National Football League draft. Washington spent four years with Pittsburgh, where he caught 114 passes for 1,629 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Following the 2021 season, Washington left the Steelers in free agency and signed with the Dallas Cowboys. He only appeared in two games for the Cowboys in that season, totaling one lone target with zero receptions.

Washington dealt with injuries while with Dallas, including a fractured foot that required surgery. After bouncing around with the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, and Indianapolis Colts in 2023, it appears that Washington is getting another chance according to Charean Williams of NBC Sports.

“Veteran receiver James Washington faces an uphill battle to play in the NFL again, but he is getting a chance,” Williams said. “The Falcons are signing Washington, Mike Garafolo of NFL Media reports. Washington spent two seasons with Falcons wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard in Pittsburgh. Washington has played only two games the past two seasons, with his last coming on Dec. 18, 2022. He was not on a team last season after both the Saints and the Colts cut him in August.”

Atlanta does not have a very deep wide receiver room so there will be an opportunity for reps to be earned by Washington. With former Pittsburgh wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard also in Atlanta, this seems like a great landing spot for the veteran receiver.

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