The Atlanta Falcons have released former Pittsburgh Steelers return man and wide receiver Jamal Agnew, they announced on Saturday.
Agnew signed with the Falcons in March on a one-year deal that was worth up to $2.5 million. Yet, he had 30 kick returns for 741 yards and fifteen punt returns for 114 yards over the entire season, with ball security issues cropping up.
Agnew did not play in any games last season for the Steelers and stayed on their practice squad all year. He was elevated for the team’s playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens but was made inactive.
Agnew suffered a fractured leg at the end of the Jaguars’ 2023 season that knocked out his entire offseason. He did not get cleared until shortly after the start of the 2024 season, and the Steelers hosted him for a workout.
The 29-year-old Agnew was named a first-team All-Pro in 2017 while he made the Pro Bowl in 2022. Over his career, he has over 5000 return yards with 12 total touchdowns as a returner and offensive player.
Agnew was a fifth-round pick out of San Diego in the 2015 NFL Draft. He spent the first four seasons of his career with the Lions as a cornerback. However, the Jaguars switched him to wide receiver, where he has since found more success. Agnew has 77 receptions for 746 yards over his career after the position switch.