It should come as no surprise Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver James Washington isn’t happy about his lack of playing time and wants to be traded. Washington hasn’t been given a fair shot with the team since Pittsburgh drafted him in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft.
As enticing as it might be to trade Washington as he heads into the final year of his rookie contract, it would be a mistake by the front office. If anything, the Steelers should extend Washington in anticipation of JuJu Smith-Schuster leaving at the end of the season and in case Diontae Johnson cannot get over the yips he’s had since last season.
The fact Washington doesn’t get more snaps and targets is criminal. In 2020, Washington played almost 45 percent of the offensive snaps but was only targeted 56 times. This is in comparison to Johnson who played 67 percent of snaps, was targeted 144 times and led the NFL in drops.
Washington was drafted out of Oklahoma State in 2018 in part because he was one of the best deep threats in college football and his strength made him a matchup nightmare. There is definitely a connection between how bad the Steelers passing offense was in 2020 and the inability to get Washington more involved.
What do you say, Steeler Nation? Should the Steelers sign Washington with the promise of an expanded role or trade him? Let us know in the comments.
