The Patriots have a new toy to deploy this fall and we’re not talking about Danny Amendola this time.
After taking a visit to Gillette Stadium earlier in the day, kick returner specialist Leon Washington agreed to a one-year deal with the Patriots, according to the team.
Washington, who spent the past three seasons in Seattle, tweeted about his signing and even included an Instagram photo of him rocking a hat with the Flying Elvis logo inside the Patriots facility.
[tweet https://twitter.com/Leon_Washington/status/312325857622507520Â align=’center’%5D
Washington, 30, entered the league with the Jets in 2006 before taking his talents to Seattle ahead of the 2010 season. He’s been a consistent threat in the kick return throughout his career, returning eight kicks for scores in seven seasons, but he’s also a pretty reliable contributor on offense.
He was used a lot as a versatile option out of the backfield during his four seasons in New York, rushing for almost 1,800 yards, caught 123 passes and scored 15 total touchdowns from 2006 to 2009. His time with the Seahawks saw his offensive use reduced, though, gaining just over 400 yards on the ground and catching just 23 passes in three seasons.
The 5-foot-8 Washington could see more use out of the backfield for the Patriots next season, potentially as a replacement for Danny Woodhead‘s role next to Tom Brady. Woodhead’s return is still a question mark, so Washington’s only certainty is his place as the Patriots’ primary kick returner next season.
Check out Washington in his new team gear below.
Photo via Instagram/LeonWashington33
