The Atlanta Falcons are set to open training camp later this month as they hope this upcoming season will be much better than what they experienced in 2024.
The Falcons made a lot of changes on the defensive side of the ball in free agency and the NFL draft, which could put a few veterans and fringe players on the bubble ahead of camp. As for the offensive side of the ball, the most notable change will be under center as Michael Penix Jr. will be the full-time starter.
However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t jobs on the 53-man roster to be won over the next several weeks. We already saw the Falcons part ways with second-year running back Jase McClellan late last month, who they took in the sixth round of the 2024 draft.
That said, second-year wide receiver Casey Washington could join McClellan in free agency if he doesn’t have a strong training camp and preseason this summer.
Falcons WR Casey Washington on Thin Ice Heading into Training Camp
The second-year receiver appeared in eight games last season as a rookie, but only registered one reception (two targets) for 14 yards. When he did play, Washington spent most of his time on special teams (47 snaps compared to nine on offense), given the talent in front of him at wide receiver.
It would’ve been hard for Washington to stand out or get targets when you have Drake London, Darnell Mooney, and Ray-Ray McCloud at WR. And not to mention, the Falcons have Kyle Pitts at tight end and Bijan Robinson at running back.
Nonetheless, with a year of NFL experience under his belt, Washington should look to be more involved in training camp and preseason. However, it won’t be easy, as Atlanta brought back vet KhaDarel Hodge on a two-year deal and signed veteran receiver/return specialist Jamal Agnew to a one-year contract.
Hodge has shown to be one of the better special-teams players in the league, making his first Pro Bowl last season. He also had more production on offense last year (seven receptions for 131 yards and a touchdown) than Washington.
We also forgot to mention that the Falcons signed undrafted free agent wideout Nick Nash after the 2025 NFL draft, who was one of the best receivers in college football and could immediately push for a job out of training camp.
Therefore, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Washington on the outside looking in by the time training camp and preseason end. The NFL is a league of what have you done for me lately, and the Falcons need to have a competent WR unit, just in case of injury.
As a sixth-round pick, Washington is already fighting an uphill battle to make the team. If he gets cut, the Falcons could get him back on the practice squad, which wouldn’t be a bad option for the second-year WR.