1,600-yard free agent wide receiver James Washington is aiming for an NFL comeback and could sign soon this summer. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the veteran is receiving multiple inquiries from teams and could start auditioning for these rosters soon. The former second-round pick has been having an inconsistent role in his rookie year with the Steelers. However, he was able to have a standout 2019 campaign when he recorded 44 catches for 735 yards in 15 games.
His production in Pittsburgh was dwindling when he was only able to haul in 70 catches for 894 yards during his three years with the Steelers. Washington still had some standout postseason performances after recording seven catches for 109 yards and one touchdown in two playoff appearances. His postseason experience should garner some teams that are looking to add a last-minute weapon on their run for a Super Bowl. However, he isn’t the same player that he was becoming after suffering injuries in 2022 when he signed a contract with the Dallas Cowboys.
After his release, he was a journeyman through his 2023 campaign after short stints with the Giants, Saints and the Colts. Washington was only able to see the field two games since the start of his 2022 campaign. He still could return to his old self after voicing that he was ready for the next step in his career. Washington took to Instagram to share a montage of NFL highlights as well as current training, running and cutting at full speed.
He shares that he’s “stronger than ever” so his signing could come anytime if any team brings him in a tryout. The Steelers are still looking for a wideout since releasing Denzel Mims and trading Diontae Johnson. Head coach Mike Tomlin wouldn’t oppose it.
1,600-Yard Free Agent James Washington Aiming NFL Comeback, Could Sign Soon
Potential Destinations
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs don’t have a lot of spending money but they still need a veteran regardless if they’re bringing back Mecole Hardman. It’s hard to imagine new receivers Marquise Brown and Xavier Worthy are leading this team being that it’s their first year in Kansas City. It should be Rashee Rice leading but he’s missing the start of the regular season due to off-field issues. Kadarius Toney has been inconsistent so the team wouldn’t lose anything if they get Washington.
He provides that length as a pass-catcher who goes long to catch those deep balls from Patrick Mahomes. This would let Worthy and Brown stay in the slot to focus on the quick slant plays.
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore should probably take the same route when they brought in Odell Beckham Jr. for one year to accommodate the receiving corps. Washington hopping on a championship team wouldn’t make him budge but it allows working alongside Zay Flowers. The Ravens shouldn’t be expecting anything special even from Rashod Bateman after his extension. He’s been inconsistent and they should avoid a situation of the lack of pass-catchers for Lamar Jackson.
He’s a two-time MVP for a reason so they should be safe to consider this cost-effective option to see what he can do in the rotation.
Los Angeles Chargers
Even though Ladd McConkey is showing some promise at camp this offseason, they should play it safe and get a veteran. The Chargers were busy this offseason getting about any receiver that’s available for cheap so they have nothing to lose by bringing in Washington for a year. Quentin Johnson and Josh Palmer being the replacements for Keenan Allen and Mike Williams will reveal the struggles that Justin Herbert will probably go through. They should avoid this and put Washington in the mix to give more firepower to Herbert.
