PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – For the first time since he reportedly requested a trade from the Steelers, James Washington talked to the media. He was asked directly if he did indeed request a trade?
“That’s a little private conversation,” Washington said with every opportunity to deny it.
“As far as me being happy in Pittsburgh,” Washington added. “I love it here. Who wouldn’t be happy playing football as their job. I come in here every day with a smile on my face. I’m eager to be here with my guys. Joking around and laughing around playing the sport that I love and just enjoying life.”
Washington started six games as a rookie with 16 receptions. In 2019, mostly without Ben Roethlisberger, Washington started 10 games with career highs in receptions (44) and yards (735). In his third year, with the emergence of Chase Claypool, Washington started seven games with 30 receptions for 392 yards and five touchdowns.
This camp rarely would Washington get a first team opportunity stuck behind Claypool, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Diontae Johnson. Even at times behind Ray-Ray McCloud.
It's now an injury to Claypool Tuesday that could give him another opportunity to prove himself here.
“With Chase down, I worked with the ones a little bit more,” Washington said. “All I can do is keep capitalizing and make the most of every rep when I’m in there.”
“Just come to work every day and being available. Just doing what got me to this point so far. That’s all I can do. I can’t control what other people do. Just control what I do.”
“Show people that I can be available and make a play that you want me to make. Just do what I need to do.”
While a deep room and even with a solid preseason game from Cody White, the chance is there on Saturday with Roethlisberger to build-up his value. Roethlisberger publicly last year called for Washington to get more passes. A few solid receptions against the Lions could build his stock back up.
Meanwhile Washington said he will keep working. He says with a smile on his face.