Falcons waive Graham, sign Jackson
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) — The Atlanta Falcons waived troubled wide receiver Jeff Graham on Friday, who failed to show up for mandatory mini-camp earlier this week, and signed veteran Willie Jackson to take his place.
The Falcons signed Graham to a one-year contract in April — but a month later his name was listed on a federal search warrant connected to massive cocaine bust in Dayton, Ohio. He has not been charged with a crime.
Falcons coach Dan Reeves was upset Thursday when Graham did not attend mini-camp. His agent, Mitch Frankel, said he was absent because of a death in the family.
Graham’s sister was arrested last year after federal agents seized more than 100 pounds of cocaine, and his father was killed in a single-car accident later in the year.
Graham was waived by the San Diego Chargers earlier this year.
Atlanta signed Willie Jackson, an eight-year veteran who spent the past two seasons with the division rival New Orleans Saints.
Jackson had his best season last year, recording 81 receptions for 1,046 yards, both career highs. He made 28 catches on third down for the Saints, good for second best in the NFC.
His best performance was a Nov. 11 loss at San Francisco in which Jackson caught 11 passes for 167 yards.
The Falcons hope Jackson’s experience, including being part of four playoff teams, will help Atlanta improve on last year’s 7-9 record. The team will soon open its first training camp under new owner Arthur Blank.
Jackson, brother of 49ers fullback Terry Jackson, was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys out of Florida in 1994. He was part of the inaugural Jacksonville Jaguars roster in 1995 and also had a two-year stint with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Terms of his Atlanta contract were not disclosed.
