5 targets for Raiders in 2022 NFL free agency

FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 27: New England Patriots Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels during warmups prior to the start of the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Gillette Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

3 of 5

CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 28: James Washington #13 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball in the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 28, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

3. WR James Washington (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Perhaps the franchise would have better luck with this former Steelers’ wide receiver? Back in 2019, the Raiders send third- and fifth-round draft choices to Pittsburgh for star Antonio Brown. But he proved to be a problem and he wound up never playing for the organization.

Back in 2018, the Steelers used a second-round pick on Oklahoma State wideout James Washington. Considering the Black and Gold’s track record at this position, especially in recent years, and it looked like a tremendous addition.

But the talented performer never had a true breakout campaign. His best season came in 2019 when veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger missed all but the first two games of the year. Of course, former college teammate Mason Rudolph was the Steelers’ quarterback for much of that year (as was undrafted Devlin Hodges).

Regardless of who threw him the ball that season, Washington finished with career-highs in starts (15), targets (80), catches (44) receiving yards (735) and average yards per reception (16.7). As for his four-year regular-season resume, he’s totaled just 114 grabs for 1,629 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Washington has flashed some big-play ability. And the Raiders, quarterback Derek Carr and new head coach Josh McDaniels could certainly use another downfield threat.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders