Steelers WR James Washington doesn’t expect to be traded

#Steelers WR James Washington does not expect to be traded at this point and is focused on the 2021 season in Pittsburgh, per source. Washington had been frustrated with his role, but barring a change, Steelers not looking to trade him.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 1, 2021

According to ESPN NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver James Washington is focused on the 2021 season and does not expect to be traded. The rumor was floated earlier in the preseason that Washington had requested a trade. Washington never denied it and this report by Fowler gives some credence to the notion Washington did request to be traded.

It’s doubtful the Steelers got an offer they considered fair for the talented wideout. Washington has been woefully underutilized during his time with the Steelers but there’s no denying his skills. Washington was one of the top deep threats in college football when the Steelers spent a second-round pick on him in 2018. His career yards per reception numbers in the NFL is a solid 14.9.

Personally, I’m glad the Steelers are holding onto Washington. With his free agency coming at the end of the season, if the Steelers don’t find a way to work him into the offense and then pay him, Washington is going to end up leaving for a team that will appreciate his skills.