James Washington labels trade rumors a "private conversation"

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver James Washington had been a recurring topic in trade rumors over the past two weeks, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Aug. 6 that Washington approached the Steelers’ front office seeking a trade.

On Wednesday, Washington addressed the media for the first time since the trade rumors were made public, and he did very little to put those rumors to rest. He did not deny requesting any trade to the Steelers front office. Instead, the former second-round draft pick reaffirmed that he loves being in Pittsburgh and is happy in his current situation.

“That’s a private conversation,” Washington said, about whether he had approached the front office regarding a trade. “As far as me being happy in Pittsburgh, I love it here. Who wouldn’t be happy playing football as their job? I come to work every day with a smile on my face.”

He may love the city of Pittsburgh, but the fourth-string wide receiver could still have requested a trade. Washington, 25, did not receive nearly as much usage as in years past. In 2020, the penultimate year of his rookie deal, he played just 44% of the Steelers’ snaps, down from 64% the year prior. His stats did see a slight dip in raw numbers; although he was efficient in his use. After hauling in 44 catches on 80 targets, registering 735 receiving yards in 2019, his numbers declined in 2020, catching just 30 of 56 targets for a total of 392 receiving yards.

As it pertains to playing time, Washington did openly admit that he was unhappy with his playing time from the year prior. He says he spoke to the coaching staff about the conflict, but never confirms a trade request.

“It’s been talked about,” he said, via ESPN. “But I’m just trying to do what I can, I just want to show people I can be available and make the plays they want me to make. Just do what I need to do.”

Schefter’s initial report stated that Washington was unhappy with his playing time, and that much appears accurate. However, Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin proceeded to deny the report one day after Schefter released it.

“He has not (requested a trade),” Tomlin said. “Those unnamed sources, we don’t react to or respond to. James has been great here, working, and having a good camp.”

Washington was not made available to the media one day after the rumor leaked, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. His conversation with the media on Wednesday was his first availability since the story was made public.