Falcons will reportedly sign WR Jeff Badet

Badet has speed to spare, but will it translate into a roster spot?

Atlanta’s not quite done tinkereing with their receiver corps, evidently, as they’re reportedly signing former Washington wide receiver Jeff Badet.

There’s no word yet on a corresponding move for Atlanta, which was at a full 90 man roster if my math is correct, which is never a sure bet.

Badet, who will be 27 in August, has one target to his name through three NFL games, all of which came last year for Washington. He was originally an undrafted pickup by the Vikings after a college career split between Kentucky and Oklahoma, where he was a receiver and kick returner, and was drafted 4th overall in the XFL draft, where he put up 16 receptions for 108 yards with the short-lived Dallas Renegades. He was signed to a reserve/futures contract with Washington but was waived back in May.

At about 6 feet and possessing excellent straight line speed, Badet will try to make his mark in an unsettled receiving corps this summer and find his way into a role. Only Calvin Ridley, Russell Gage, and possibly rookie Frank Darby are guaranteed roles at this point, so it’s not outside of the realm of possibility that Badet impresses and makes the roster. There is significant competition with the likes of Olamide Zaccheaus, Christian Blake, and Tajae Sharpe also gunning for roles, though, so that remains to be seen. His special teams value—again, he was a college kick returner, though he won’t be unseating Cordarrelle Patterson here—may factor in as well.

We’ll see if there’s another move announced when the Falcons make the signing official, but give Badet a warm welcome to Atlanta.