Free agent wide receiver James Washington signs with Saints

The New Orleans Saints have added former Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys wide receiver James Washington on a one-year contract, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN first reported Monday.

Free agent wide receiver James Washington is signing one-year deal with the #Saints, per source. Former second-round pick with the Steelers is now a new target for Derek Carr.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 15, 2023

The Saints later confirmed Washington was signed along with a pair of undrafted rookie free agents – running back Ellis Merriweather and and defensive back Adrian Frye – who tried out at this past weekend’s rookie minicamp. The team also waived waived wide receiver Sy Barnett and defensive back Vincent Gray.

The 5-foot-11, 205-pound Washington was a 2018 second-round pick who spent four seasons with the Steelers before signing with the Cowboys last year. He has 114 career catches for 1,629 yards and 11 touchdowns, all during his time in Pittsburgh. A foot injury rerailed most of his 2022 season which he finished on the New York Giants practice squad after Dallas released him.

“You know, obviously he was injured last year, but there were some things we saw previously in terms of speed down the field, a guy that can get vertical into the defense,” said head coach Dennis Allen at the Saints Hall of Fame Golf Classic when asked about the team’s interest in Washington.

Washington, 27, will compete with Michael Thomas, Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Tre’Quan Smith, sixth round pick A.T. Perry and others for a roster spot.