Report: James Washington Signs with Atlanta Falcons

The former Biletnikoff winner has found a new home.

Former Oklahoma State wide receiver James Washington signed with the Atlanta Falcons, according to a report from Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

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

Following his award-winning 2017 season, Washington was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He spent four years in Pittsburgh, amassing 114 catches for 1,629 yards and 11 touchdowns. But he started just 25 of his 60 games and never really got a foothold as a consistent part of the Steelers’ passing attack.

Since leaving Pittsburgh in 2021 as free agent, Washington has dealt with injury and bounced around last year. He hasn’t seen the field since 2022, when he played two games for the Dallas Cowboys. He had stops with the New York Giants, the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts in 2023.

But it appears there will be reps to be earned in Atlanta, at least as a depth piece. The Falcons’ wide receiver room also includes the likes of Drake London, Darnell Mooney and Washington’s former Pittsburgh teammate, Ray-Ray McCloud.

In Atlanta, Washington will also be reunited with wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard, who coached the position group for two of his years with the Steelers.