FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons signed wide receiver Jamal Agnew, the organization announced Thursday. The news was first reported by NFL Network's Mike Garafolo earlier that day.
Agnew comes to Atlanta from the Pittsburgh Steelers' practice squad, where he spent the 2024 season while recovering from a leg injury he sustained in Week 17 of the 2023 season. Agnew was a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023, the last of three seasons he spent with the team. He was originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2017 as a fifth-rounder.
Although Agnew will be listed as a wide receiver, he's best known for his special teams contributions as a returner. For example, as a Lions rookie, Agnew totaled an NFL-best 447 yards on 29 punt returns and led the league with 15.4 yards per return. He scored two touchdowns, including on an 88-yard punt return. Because of those numbers, Agnew was named an All-Pro first-teamer by The Associated Press.
Agnew earned his second career honor – a Pro Bowl bid – in 2022. There were no records that season, but he totaled 547 yards on 21 kick returns, good for an average of 26 yards per return. And he scored three touchdowns on offense, catching 23 passes for 187 yards. So, Agnew was an asset for the Jaguars in two phases of the game.
Overall, Agnew has appeared in 82 games, starting in five. On offense, he has totaled 77 receptions for 746 yards and five touchdowns. On special teams, he has returned 124 punts for 1,280 yards and four touchdowns, which are the most by any active NFL player. He has also returned 122 kicks for 3,112 yards and two touchdowns. He has averaged 10.3 yards per punt return and 25.5 yards per kick return.
Agnew's addition makes sense with departure of the Falcons' main return specialist Avery Williams, who signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent. Their secondary return specialist, Ray-Ray McCloud III, is back for 2025, though he only worked on kickoff last season.
Agnew will be a familiar face to Falcons special teams coordinator Marquice Williams, too. Williams was the Lions' assistant special teams coach when Agnew was there from 2019-20. During that time together, Agnew scored three return touchdowns.
Take a look at some of the best film photography from Week 18, when the Falcons went against the Panthers in their last regular season game of the 2024 season in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 on the sideline the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 and Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 before the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III #3 before the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons GM Terry Fontenot before the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons #31 in the locker room before the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Kyle Hinton #68 in the locker room before the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 in the locker room before the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 during the anthem before the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Ross Dwelley #85 before the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. #9 after the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
A view of the fans before the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London #5 and Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 before the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Owner Arthur Blank and Josh Blank before the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Avery Williams #26 before the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson #7 does an interview before the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Thank you fans graphic after the Week 18 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, January 5, 2025. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Join us as we take a look back on our favorite photos from the Atlanta Falcons' 2024-2025 season.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 blocks a punt during the first quarter of the Week 15 Game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, December 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 scores a touchdown during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons special teams coordinator Marquice Williams on the sideline during the fourth quarter of the Preseason Game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday, August 17, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 poses for a photo during 2024 Creative Days at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Monday, June 10, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Avery Williams #26 returns a punt during the first half of the Week 2 Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelpha, Pennsylvania on Monday, September 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 scores a touchdown during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Avery Williams #26 prepares in the locker room before the Week 17 Game against the Washington Commanders at Commanders Field in Greater Landover, Maryland on Sunday, December 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 poses for a photo during 2024 Creative Days at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Thursday, June 6, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons punter Bradley Pinion #13 punts the ball during the Preseason Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday, August 23, 2024. (Photo by Kathryn Skeean/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 scores a touchdown during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons long snapper Liam McCullough #49 hypes up the crowd during the Week 1 Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 8, 2024. (Photo by Bee Trofort-Wilson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. #33 reacts after downing a punt during the third quarter of the Week 15 Game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, December 16, 2024. (Photo by Chris Unger/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 recovers a muffed punt in the end zone during the Week 4 game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by AJ Reynolds/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Avery Williams #26 makes a tackle during the Week 7 Game against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, October 20, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons punter Bradley Pinion #13 poses for a photo during 2024 Creative Days at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, June 4, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 scores a field goal during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Brennan Asplen/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Avery Williams #26 and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 during the Week 4 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Micah Abernathy #29, Atlanta Falcons safety Richie Grant #27, Atlanta Falcons tight end Ross Dwelley #85 and Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker DeAngelo Malone #51 celebrate after a play during the Week 5 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Richie Grant #27 poses for a photo during 2024 Creative Days at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, June 4, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker JD Bertrand #40 defends during the first quarter of the Week 6 Game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, October 13, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Natrone Brooks #35 during the Week 9 Game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, November 3, 2024. (Photo by Kevin Liles/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo #6 poses for a photo during 2024 Creative Days at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Thursday, June 06, 2024. (Photo by Karl Moore/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker DeAngelo Malone #51 during the Week 5 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, October 3, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons long snapper Liam McCullough #49 during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Avery Williams #26 during the Week 11 Game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, November 17, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons special teams during the Week 13 Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 1, 2024. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons punter Bradley Pinion #13 poses for a photo during 2024 Creative Days at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Tuesday, June 4, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons punter Bradley Pinion #13 punts during the first quarter of the Week 8 Game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Sunday, October 27, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 runs with the ball during the Week 3 Game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, September 22, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons special teams coordinator Marquice Williams and running back Avery Williams #26 react after a kick return during the third quarter of the Week 15 Game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, December 16, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker JD Bertrand #40 poses for a photo during 2024 Creative Days at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. on Tuesday June 4, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 celebrating a blocked punt during the Week 15 Game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, December 16, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Troy Andersen #44 and inside linebacker JD Bertrand #40 cover a punt during the second quarter of the Week 14 Game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Sunday, December 8, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Avery Williams #26 during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Ross Dwelley #85 poses for a photo during 2024 Creative Days at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Thursday, June 6, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Zach Harrison #96 during the Week 15 Game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, December 16, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 poses for a photo during 2024 Creative Days at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. on Monday June 10, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons special teams coordinator Marquice Williams and wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 react after a blocked punt during the third quarter of the Week 15 Game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, December 16, 2024. (Photo by Chris Unger/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 reacts to blocking a kick during the Week 15 Game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, December 16, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 reacts after a blocked punt during the first quarter of the Week 15 Game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada on Monday, December 16, 2024. (Photo by Chris Unger/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive lineman Zach Harrison #96 poses for a photo during 2024 Creative Days at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Thursday, June 6, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Riley Patterson #37 warms up before the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons punter Bradley Pinion #13 punts during the first quarter of the Week 10 Game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 10, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III #34 poses for a photo during 2024 Creative Days at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. On Monday, June 10, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons long snapper Liam McCullough #49 during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Shanna Lockwood/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge #12 poses for a photo during 2024 Creative Days at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility in Flowery Branch, Ga. on Monday June 10, 2024. (Photo by Brandon Magnus/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons inside linebacker Nate Landman #53 during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Riley Patterson #37 kicks an extra point during the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Steven Burroughs/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons kicker Riley Patterson #37 before the Week 16 Game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 2024. (Photo by Matthew Grimes/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #17 punts during the fourth quarter of the Week 17 Game against the Washington Commanders at Commanders Field in Greater Landover, Maryland on Sunday, December 29, 2024. (Photo by Jay Bendlin/Atlanta Falcons)
