Atlanta Falcons Sign Former Saints Receiver Joe Horn

Falcons Also Sign Texans Cornerback Lewis Sanders

The Atlanta Falcons signed former New Orleans Saints receiver Joe Horn on Thursday. Horn was released by the Saints last week.

The Falcons on Wednesday also signed free agent cornerback and special teamer Lewis Sanders. Sanders played last season for the Houston Texans.

The deals come after a slow start for Atlanta during the NFL free agency period.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Thursday that Horn's deal was at least three years with $2 million in salary guaranteed.

Joe Horn, 35, has missed nine games in the last two seasons with groin and hamstring injuries. He missed six games last seasons. Negotiations between Horn and the Falcons gained traction after Horn passed his physical administered by the Falcons.

Horn told the New Orleans Times-Picayune that the Falcons offer is worth $19 million over four years. Horn also says the deal includes a guaranteed $7.5 million in the first two years of the contract.

Horn is expected to play a large role in new Atlanta Falcons coach Bobby Petrino's efforts to add more balance their offense. The Falcons have led the NFL in rushing for three straight seasons, however, they have finished dead last in the NFL with 148 passing yards per game.

Petrino intends to add more three and four wide receiver formations to the Falcons offense as he tries to help quarterback Michael Vick improve in the passing game. The Falcons lost free agent receiver Ashley Lelie to the San Francisco 49ers earlier in the NFL free agency period.

Horn is expected to be a starter at receiver for the Falcons, and also will be expected to serve as a leader for Roddy White and Michael Jenkins. White and Jenkins are former first round picks at receiver who have struggled to be consistent.

The Falcon's team leader in receptions last season was Alge Crumpler with 56 receptions. Jenkins lead the receivers with 39 catches for 436 yards and seven touchowns.

Horn, expected to help increase the receptions among receivers, had 37 catches for 678 yards and four touchdowns with New Orleans last season despite missing six games.