The other shoe has dropped for the Atlanta Falcons.
The Falcons announced they released cornerback John Reid on Wednesday afternoon. To fill his roster spot, the team then announced the following morning that the organization has signed wide receiver Penny Hart to a one-year contract.
From Roswell, Georgia, Hart played high school at King’s Ridge Christian and then attended college at Georgia State. In four seasons with the Panthers, he recorded 203 receptions, 2,960 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns.
Hart began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent for the Indianapolis Colts in 2019. He finished the season on the Seattle Seahawks practice squad.
In 2020, he received the chance to play. Hart spent three seasons in Seattle, recording 11 catches for 82 yards in 39 games.
Hart mostly played on special teams. He lined up for a career-high 209 special teams snaps in 2021.
He played 400 special teams snaps and 239 offensive snaps in three seasons with the Seahawks. But during 2022, Hart’s playing time decreased. He dressed for only nine games, playing 77 special teams snaps and 34 offensive snaps.
The Falcons signed Hart two days after inviting him to the team facility for a workout. Atlanta also worked out former Alabama wideout Slade Bolden.
General manager Terry Fontenot has signed a few wide receivers in free agency this offseason. The Falcons added veterans Mack Hollins and Scotty Miller, who are expected to be the team’s top receivers opposite 2022 first-round pick Drake London.
The Falcons also signed Khadarel Hodge to a one-year contract.
To make the final roster in Atlanta, Hart will have to contribute on special teams. But there could be a role available to Hart on the depth chart behind the team’s expected top four receivers.
