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Patriots add ‘blessed’ Leon Washington to their arsenal

 03.14.13 at 6:46 pm ET
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Leon Washington did big damage against the Patriots as a kick returner with the Jets. He's now joined the Patriots. (AP)

Leon Washington did big damage against the Patriots as a kick returner with the Jets. He’s now joined the Patriots. (AP)

Soon after tweeting “negotiations!!!” while in a meeting with the Patriots, kick returner and running back Leon Washington went a step further by tweeting out a picture of himself in a Patriots hat, indicating that he had agreed to terms with New England. At the bottom of the picture, he tweeted, “#blessed Lets Go #Pats.”

About an hour later, the Patriots made it official, signing the veteran return specialist.

Washington, who turns 31 on Aug. 29, is a veteran of seven NFL seasons with the New York Jets (2006-09) and the Seattle Seahawks (2010-12). The 5-foot-8, 203 pounder, originally entered the NFL as a fourth-round (117th pick overall) draft choice by the Jets out of Florida State in 2006. He was traded by the Jets to the Seahawks on April 24, 2010 for a 2010 fifth-round draft choice. Washington was released by Seattle on March 12, 2013.

Washington shares the NFL record with Josh Cribbs (Cleveland) with eight career kickoff returns for touchdowns. He also tied an NFL record when he returned two kicks for a touchdown in a game against San Diego in 2010. Washington earned Pro Bowl honors in 2008 and 2012 and All-Pro honors in 2007, 2008 and 2010.

Washington has played in 103 NFL games with 14 starts and has registered 473 rushing attempts for 2,213 yards and 16 touchdowns, and 146 receptions for 1,127 yards and two touchdowns. He has also returned 168 punts for 1,668 yards and 244 kickoffs for 6,315 yards and eight touchdowns.

Indeed, ESPN’s Adam Schefter was the first to report that the Pro Bowler signed a one-year deal to play with the Patriots, who did not reveal terms or length of the contract.

Washington is the leading candidate to replace Wes Welker on punt returns and could also provide insurance in the running game, should the Patriots not retain free agent running back Danny Woodhead.

For more, visit the Patriots team page at weei.com/patriots.

Read More: free agency, Leon Washington, New England Patriots, New York Jets Print  |  Bark It Up!  |  Digg It
  • Schwank

    He pretty good.  One of the better KO returners in athe NFL and is a workhorse as a punt returner although his average return was pedestrian this year.  It’s an upgrade as I see Vareen replacing Woodhead as the change of pace 3rd down back and Washington fulfilling both return rolls.  Love Woodhead but this could be the end.

  • Defense

    Do not want to lose Woodhead. Great 3rd down threat.

  • Donalmcl27

    In Bill We

    • moneytospendbutwont

      suck

  • Dano S

    Thats a great signing and I hope they dig in on defensive signings soon. Wahington will
    help as a back and in return game.

  • Bruinman86

     Great pick up.  Sure has been a weak spot since Tate left.

  • tryy

    I like this deal to be honest.  The Pats need a decent KO returner

  • Gray

    retaining woodhead would be wise 

  • Jd1

    His contract will pay him $11.50/hr. 

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1202772636 Alan David Williamson Jr.

    D-FENCE D-FENCE D-FENSE!!!!!   God our games will all be 59-51

  • http://www.facebook.com/derek.lee.82 Derek Lee

    If they don’t resign Woodhead, I’m done.

  • Dano S

    Happy with what Pats are doing so far.Pats Pedictions 49.0
    Ed Reed S Ravens, John Abraham DE Atlanta, Nnamdi Asomugha CB Raiders,
    Daryl Smith OLB, Brandon Moore G Jets, Brady Quinn QB Chiefs,
    and Donald Jones WR Bills.

    Pats Trade Ryan Mallett for a 3rd and 5th rounder.
    1 Jonathan Hankins DT Ohio State 2 Arthur Brown LB Kansas St.
    3 Markus Wheaton WR Oregon State 3 Kyle Long OT Oregon
    5 Joseph Fauria TE UCLA 7 LeVeon Bell RB Michigan St.
    7 Anthony McCloud DT Florida St.

    Stay Aggresive Pats!

  • PatsFan37

    I’m not opposed to the signing, but I also hope this doesn’t keep Edleman from being signed. He’s a very good returner and versatile as hell. Losing Edleman and/or Woodhead is going to hurt and there is no need for it. By the way, perhaps we might want to think about looking at a D player or two..what the hell are we waiting for?

  • whitey

    I guess this is the end of Edelman!!  I like this signing, but when the heck is the team gonna make a defensive move??  Seriously!!   Several good cornerbacks and safeties are on the market, but I have heard zippo about the team even talking to any of them!!  It looks like good cornerbacks and safeties are signing for short money now that the owners are acting  responsibly, as far as overblown salaries are concerned…  They still have approximately 18 million in cap space available to sign Vollmer, Talib, and another safety or conerback, along with some of their lower priced free agents, and draftees.  I can’t take this anymore!!   I am feeling severe anxiety over their lack of defensive signings thus far, as well as their failure to even bring anyone in for a visit….Why isn’t Ed Reed in Foxboro yet??  Do we really want to see the Texans get stronger with his acquisition??  I strongly believe that if Houston gets Reed, that the Pats are the 3rd team in the conference this year, unless they do something spectacular.  Don’t get me wrong, if Amendola stays healthy, I think he can come close to matching Welker’s production, but that’s a big IF!! I hav also forgotten to mention a much needed pass rusher!!  There have been several good, veteran pass rushers available, but as usual, they have’nt been in on any oft hem yet??!!  I think Avril would have looked great wearing the flying Elvis, but I guess he was’nt on their radar!  Freeney, Abraham, Osi, etc, etc!!!  Come on Bill, please give us fans a strong defensive signing to feel good about!!!!!

    • Anonymous

      Calm down my little osprey.

  • Bruinman86

    Hopefully the team can also improve the defense during kick and punt returns.  Not so sharp last year.

  • Hawk_Eye

    You guys are going to love this guy. A total pro. He gives everything he’s got in practice and in the game. On top of that, he’s a hell of a nice guy. You’ll see. He will soon be a fan favorite. The Seahawks received trade offers for him, but he was so well liked by the Seahawk organization, they released him at his request so he could choose his next deal. Our GM never does that. He values all draft choices, so that tells you the type of man your getting in Leon Washington.

  • ChrisinDanvers

    Good signing….nice to hear that he was well liked in Seattle. He sounds like one of those Patriots all purpose players they like so much.

    Now, hopefully they will add another receiver, than start to look at the defense. It looks like they might be making a good foray right now by hosting John Abraham (though older, he would be a solid addition) and Adrian Wilson (another solid, older player).

    A few of those pieces will really tighten up everything.

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