James Washington‘s efforts to land an NFL deal have produced an agreement. The veteran wideout is set to join the Falcons, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports. 
Washington did not record a reception in his pair of Cowboys contests during the 2022 season. He was out of the league altogether last year, but he made it clear earlier this month he intended to join a new team. After reportedly being on the radar of multiple interested teams, he will spend the rest of training camp in Atlanta.
The 28-year-old’s Dallas tenure did not go as planned, but it was preceded by four years in Pittsburgh. Between 2018-21, Washington showed his potential as a deep threat by averaging 14.2 yards per reception. He totaled 1,629 yards and 11 touchdowns on 114 catches, and he will aim to regain that form with the Falcons. Atlanta’s receivers coach – Ike Hilliard – served in that role with the Steelers during Washington’s last two years in Pittsburgh.
The Falcons’ WR depth chart is once again topped by 2022 first-rounder Drake London. The former No. 8 pick has been a focal point of the team’s passing attack so far, and that is expected to continue in 2024 with Kirk Cousins at the helm. The Falcons added Darnell Mooney in free agency, and the former Bear is slated to handle a starting role. Washington will be competing for a rotational spot alongside the likes of trade acquisition Rondale Moore, veteran returner Ray-Ray McCloud and incumbent KhaDarel Hodge.
Atlanta entered Monday at the bottom of the league in terms of cap space (roughly $3.5MM), so this Washington accord will not be a lucrative one. That comes as no surprise, of course, but he will now have the opportunity to earn a 53-man roster spot with a new team.