Falcons sign 2 wide receivers as coaching begins

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons signed two receivers Tuesday.

Jesse Matthews and James Washington join the 90-man roster as the team begins padded practice for the first time in training camp.

Matthews was an undrafted free agent drafted by the Houston Texans in 2023. However, he was placed on injured reserve and did not play in the NFL. His best collegiate season at San Diego State University came in 2021, when he totaled 57 receptions for 642 yards and nine touchdowns.

Washington, meanwhile, is an NFL veteran with five seasons, 62 appearances and 25 starts under his belt. He was first drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2018 with a second-round pick. He stayed there until 2021 before spending one season with the Dallas Cowboys. Since then, Washington has not been active. He last played with the Indianapolis Colts in 2023, but was released before the start of the season.

Washington’s best season was 2019, when he recorded 44 receptions for 735 yards and three touchdowns.

The pair adds to the Falcons’ revamped receiver room for 2024. Drake London was originally the only player carried over from 2023. Twelve others were signed this offseason. All also report to a new position coach in Atlanta, with Ike Hilliard.

In addition to those two signings, the Falcons announced two corresponding trades. Atlanta is releasing rookie receiver Isaiah Wooden and placing offensive lineman Tyler Vrabel on the reserve/retired list.