Steelers: James Washington trade request goes by the wayside for now

James Washington has fallen down the wide receiver pecking order for the Steelers, but for now he will not be traded.

Earling in training camp, there were conflicting reports over whether or not Steelers wide receiver James Washington had asked for a trade. But now, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, he does not expect to be traded and is focused on the 2021 season. Also, the team is not looking to trade him.

A second-round pick by the Steelers in 2018 out of Oklahoma State, Washington had 30 receptions for 392 yards with a career-high five touchdowns last year. Despite playing all 16 games, the emergence of Chase Claypool led to Washington setting career-lows in snap rate (44 percent) and total snaps (486).

James Washington is a valuable player for the Steelers

It’s understandable Washington is frustrated with his reduced role, and there might be a better opportunity elsewhere. But for now, even if he’s their fourth wide receiver, the Steelers surely see value in him and won’t trade him just to trade him.

Over his three seasons Washington has provided the Steelers with a deep threat, averaging 14.9 yards per catch. Over the last two seasons, he has combined that with some scoring prowess (eight touchdowns on 74 catches). Drops have been a bit of a thing (11 for his career and nine over the last two seasons, according to Pro Football Reference), but they were also something of an epidemic within Pittsburgh’s wide receiver core last year.

Right now, there’s nothing else Washington or the Steelers can really say other than buzzwords about expectations, focus on the season or lack of intent to trade him. All it takes is one solid offer (a mid-round draft pick?) to change the team’s tune, and Washington would get his wish for a new opportunity as he heads into the final year of his rookie contract.