James Washington trade rumors: Mike Tomlin denies recent reports

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin denied rumors that receiver James Washington requested a trade, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The assertion comes in conflict with a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who said Washington is dissatisfied with his playing time.

The former Oklahoma State Cowboy is part of a crowded receiving corps that includes Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson and JuJu Smith-Schuster. He is No. 4 on the depth chart and finished with 392 yards receiving and five touchdowns last season.

Washington was at the Steelers’ practice Saturday, catching a touchdown pass from college teammate Mason Rudolph. He was not made available for comment as Tomlin spoke on his behalf about the rumors.

“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.”

It’s a bit puzzling why Washington himself wouldn’t refute the reports. Perhaps in the coming days we will get clarification from the receiver.

When Johnson struggled with dropped balls last year, Washington took on an increased role. This led to speculation as to whether he would eventually pass Johnson on the depth chart. That, however, never happened.

The Steelers still appear from the outside to be happy with Washington. Offensive coordinator Matt Canada praised him after practice Saturday and said the Steelers still have a spot for him.

“James Washington’s awesome,” Canada said. “He comes to work every day, he’s a good guy to be around. Hasn’t said a word to me. Just plays hard every day and practices hard every day. I’m a huge fan of James.

“Certain games, there are different matchups. Certain things happen, but James is a big part of what we do. He’ll continue to have a role.”

There could be a lot of value in a trade involving the former second-round pick. He won the Biletnikoff award, given annually to college football’s top receiver, in 2017. He actually led the Steelers in receiving yards (735) in 2019, when Rudolph started eight games at quarterback.

If Washington isn’t able to crack the starting rotation, it isn’t for lack of talent. In reality the fourth-year receiver simply has too much talent surrounding him. If he goes to an offense where he has a more focused role, we could see a breakout season.

Whether they trade James Washington or keep him, the Steelers have one of the best receiving corps in the NFL. They’re in an enviable position no matter how you look at it.

Photo courtesy of Wesley Hitt/Getty Images.