South Atlanta News

The Atlanta Falcons have announced the signing of wide receiver Jamal Agnew. This move was first reported by NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Agnew joins the Falcons from the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad, where he spent the 2024 season recovering from a leg injury sustained in Week 17 of the 2023 season.

Agnew, who began his career with the Detroit Lions as a fifth-round draft pick in 2017, is recognized for his special teams performance. As a rookie with the Lions, he led the NFL with 447 yards on 29 punt returns and averaged 15.4 yards per return, earning him an All-Pro first-team honor from The Associated Press. He also scored two touchdowns that year, including one on an 88-yard punt return.

In 2022, Agnew earned a Pro Bowl selection without setting records but contributed significantly to his team. He accumulated 547 yards on 21 kick returns and scored three offensive touchdowns with the Jacksonville Jaguars by catching 23 passes for 187 yards.

Throughout his career, Agnew has played in 82 games and started five times. Offensively, he has recorded 77 receptions for 746 yards and five touchdowns. On special teams, he leads active NFL players with four punt return touchdowns and has amassed significant yardage through both punt and kick returns.

The Falcons' decision to sign Agnew aligns with their need for a new return specialist following Avery Williams' departure to the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent. Ray-Ray McCloud III remains with the team but primarily focused on kickoff duties last season.

Agnew will reunite with Falcons special teams coordinator Marquice Williams, who previously worked as an assistant special teams coach for the Lions during Agnew's tenure there from 2019-20. During that period, Agnew achieved three return touchdowns under Williams' guidance.