The Atlanta Falcons have had a busy offseason so far. After saying goodbye to longtime defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, the Falcons seemingly put an end to the Kirk Cousins drama (at least for now). While those moves haven’t turned into a large haul of free agents, Atlanta is still busy trying to find players that can replace some of the ones that left.
One of those holes was created on special teams when Avery Williams hit free agency. Williams signed with the Philadelphia Eagles during the first week of FA. He served as the Falcons’ kick and punt returner for three of the past four seasons, averaging 10.9 yards per punt return and 22.4 yards per kick return.
It led to the Falcons moving on and finding a replacement in free agency on Thursday afternoon.
Falcons Sign Returner Jamal Agnew to Replace Avery Williams
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Falcons have agreed to terms with former Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver and returner Jamal Agnew. The deal is reportedly worth a maximum of $2.5 million.
The #Falcons have agreed to terms with former #Jaguars WR/returner Jamal Agnew on a one-year deal worth a max of $2.5 million, source says. Agnew was on the #Steelers’ practice squad last year as he recovered from a broken leg suffered late in 2023. Now fully healthy for Atlanta. pic.twitter.com/jAIyv8fra8
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 20, 2025
Agnew entered the league as a fifth-round pick by the Detroit Lions and most recently spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The San Diego product has 77 catches for 746 yards and five touchdowns over his eight-year career but is most known for his ability in the return game.
The 29-year-old made the All-Pro team in his rookie season with a league-high 15.4 yards per punt return and a pair of touchdowns. He also made the Pro Bowl in 2022 after averaging 8.2 yards per punt return and 26.0 yards per kick return with the Jaguars.
Agnew broke his leg late in the 2023 season and spent last year recovering before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice squad. His latest contract suggests he’ll be the front-runner to return kicks and punts this upcoming season.