The New England Patriots are signing free-agent wide receiver Nate Washington, a league source told ESPN’s Field Yates. Together, they give the Patriots the depth and talent they need at the skill positions – something that was definitely missing for Tom Brady and Co. last season. The Patriots made the signing official soon after the deal was reported.
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Since his 1,000-yard season in 2011, Washington’s managed to average 48 receptions and 742 yards per season in the past four years.
It’s one of those moves that will definitely fly under the radar, but the impact Washington has on the Patriots could be relatively big.
The 32-year-old Washington spent last season with the Houston Texans after playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2005 to 2008 and for the Tennessee Titans from 2009 to 2014.
He has 458 career receptions for 6,954 yards and 44 touchdowns. While the Patriots receiving core with Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola remain to be a force in the passing game, the Patriots are longing to have a strong rushing offense this upcoming season.
This is all assuming Washington makes the team, as his age is working against him.
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And a deep threat Nate Washington could very well be the key to what they’re trying to do these days.
