The Athletic’s Josh Kendall adds that the transaction was completed to make room for recent free agent-signee S Justin Simmons. Washington’s release bodes positively for journeyman WR Chris Blair, whose four explosive, 15-plus-yard pass plays through tie for the league lead among NFL preseason pass-catchers. The Falcons’ thin receiver corps

Washington hasn’t played a regular-season snap since 2022. The former second-round pick was on a solid trajectory early in his career after going for 44-735-3 in his second year in the league. Unfortunately, he would catch just 30 passes for 392 yards in his third season, and in 2022, while with the Cowboys, he suffered a foot fracture that limited him to just two games. Now, Washington joins a relatively thin wide receiver room in Atlanta. Drake London and Darnell Mooney are entrenched as the team’s top two options, but things get pretty dicey after that. Depending on how many receivers they keep, it’s possible Washington sticks as a WR5 or WR6.

Washington was an unsigned free agent for 2023 after playing in two games for the Cowboys in 2022. He suffered a Jones fracture with the Cowboys and bounced around several teams since then, not seeing any playing time with them. In four seasons as a Steeler, Washington caught 114 passes for 1,629 yards and 11 touchdowns. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports Washington has received multiple inquiries from teams and may be trying out for them soon.

Washington joined the Colts just 10 days ago but is now back on the open market. The former Steelers and Cowboys receiver has struggled since signing a one-year deal with the Cowboys last offseason. He suffered a fractured foot in training camp last year and was released from the team in early January. Since then, he’s bounced around with the Giants, Saints, and Colts but hasn’t seen any significant playing team with either team. Washington totaled 114 receptions for 1,629 yards and 11 touchdowns in four seasons with the Steelers but will face an uphill battle to land on a 53-man roster before the start of this season.