The Steelers have a very crowded depth chart for wide receivers. James Washington may be looking to make a new start in the NFL.
ESPN Insider Adam Schefter reports that Washington approached Steelers to request a trade, based on his limited playing experience from last season.
Washington, a former second round pick, had 30 receptions, 392 yards, and five touchdowns in 2020. On the depth chart, he was just behind Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson.
Washington played a larger role in Steelers’ offense before Claypool was selected in 2020 NFL Draft. He had 44 receptions for 735 yards and three touchdowns during the 2019 season.
Schefter’s timing of the report is quite interesting.
“Steelers’ WR James Washington, a former 2018 second-round pick, has approached the Steelers and requested a trade based on his limited playtime last season and so far this preseason, per source.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 6, 2021
During last night’s match between the Cowboys & Steelers, Dez Bryant, a veteran wideout, tweeted: “If you’re a team and would like a top-tier WR trade to James Washington ….. please let me know.”
Bryant’s tweet is worth mentioning. Bryant and Washington are the two most productive receivers that Oklahoma State has ever seen. Bryant may have some insight into Washington’s situation in Pittsburgh.
Washington’s request is not being granted by the Steelers at this point. Washington is on his final year of rookie contract and has a cap hit of $1.4 million. There should be a strong market.