ATLANTA -- Wide receiver MarTay Jenkins, one of the most pursued second-tier players in the unrestricted free agent pool, is the latest addition to an Atlanta Falcons roster still being fine-tuned in advance of the draft.
The four-year veteran, who agreed to a one-year contract, continues a recent spree in which the Falcons have added impressive depth. He adds not only another veteran at the revamped receiver position, but also a legitimate deep threat, and a proven kickoff returner.
Despite playing in just 37 games over his career, and just eight in 2002 when his season was prematurely ended by a broken collarbone, Jenkins generated considerable interest in the market. He was sought by Buffalo, Jacksonville, Oakland, Houston and the Arizona Cardinals, for whom he played his entire previous career, over the past few weeks.
It is believed Jenkins chose the Falcons over an offer from Houston, a team which wanted him to replace departed kickoff return man Jermaine Lewis. The Falcons already have a standout kickoff returner in Allen Rossum, and that could mean Jenkins gets more time at wide receiver.
Atlanta entered the free agency period desperately seeking outside speed and the additions of Jenkins and fellow wide receiver Peerless Price goes a long way toward addressing that need. Several of the teams interested in Jenkins viewed him as a potential No. 3 wideout.
Jenkins, 28, has 70 career receptions for 987 yards and four touchdowns. He has returned 151 kickoffs for a 25.6-yard average and two touchdowns. The former Nebraska-Omaha star was emerging as a force in the passing game for the Cardinals in 2002 when he sustained his season-ending injury.
Originally chosen by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the '99 draft, Jenkins was claimed by the Cardinals that year after being waived. He has six starts in his career.
The four-year veteran, who agreed to a one-year contract, continues a recent spree in which the Falcons have added impressive depth. He adds not only another veteran at the revamped receiver position, but also a legitimate deep threat, and a proven kickoff returner.
Despite playing in just 37 games over his career, and just eight in 2002 when his season was prematurely ended by a broken collarbone, Jenkins generated considerable interest in the market. He was sought by Buffalo, Jacksonville, Oakland, Houston and the Arizona Cardinals, for whom he played his entire previous career, over the past few weeks.
It is believed Jenkins chose the Falcons over an offer from Houston, a team which wanted him to replace departed kickoff return man Jermaine Lewis. The Falcons already have a standout kickoff returner in Allen Rossum, and that could mean Jenkins gets more time at wide receiver.
Atlanta entered the free agency period desperately seeking outside speed and the additions of Jenkins and fellow wide receiver Peerless Price goes a long way toward addressing that need. Several of the teams interested in Jenkins viewed him as a potential No. 3 wideout.
Jenkins, 28, has 70 career receptions for 987 yards and four touchdowns. He has returned 151 kickoffs for a 25.6-yard average and two touchdowns. The former Nebraska-Omaha star was emerging as a force in the passing game for the Cardinals in 2002 when he sustained his season-ending injury.
Originally chosen by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the '99 draft, Jenkins was claimed by the Cardinals that year after being waived. He has six starts in his career.
