Even though he hasn’t caught a pass since the 2021 season, veteran wide receiver James Washington hopes to revive his career in the 2024 season. A second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Oklahoma State product appeared to be on track for a strong career when he recorded 44 receptions for 735 yards and three touchdowns. Since then, however, the wideout has failed to eclipse the 400-yard mark in any season and last saw the field in 2022, where he recorded just one target for the Dallas Cowboys.
After battling injuries and failing to make a roster in 2023, James Washington is drawing some interest as a free agent. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the former second-round pick has received “multiple inquiries” from NFL teams and might land a job before long. Fowler’s report doesn’t name specific teams, but it’s safe to assume that the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers will be interested.
Chiefs, Chargers Could Sign Free Agent James Washington
Kansas City’s free agent interest in James Washington will likely come down to what happens with Rashee Rice. The NFL has yet to hand out a suspension for his actions, and the Chiefs wide receiver depth chart could use some more support if the former second-round pick has to miss an extended amount of time. Travis Kelce is still great and will remain the top option in the passing attack as long as he’s healthy. Every other pass-catching option, however, comes with some risk.
Free agent signee Marquise Brown is a great fit for Kansas City’s offense and could be a star in this scheme, but he has yet to establish a rapport with Patrick Mahomes. First-round pick Xavier Worthy, meanwhile, is a complete unknown with a high ceiling and a low floor. James Washington might not be a superstar, but the free agent can provide some reliable depth behind these two. Even if he never recaptures his 2019 form, it’s hard to imagine him being worse than Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney.
More Dart Throws In Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Chargers wide receivers are the worst in the league by a decent margin. Second-round pick Ladd McConkey has some potential, but the rest of the depth chart leaves a lot to be desired. Quentin Johnston is coming off a historically poor rookie season, Josh Palmer is nothing more than a journeyman, and DJ Chark is coming off an underwhelming campaign with the Carolina Panthers. James Washington might not be a great player at this point in his career, but the free agent could earn targets in this offense.
Justin Herbert is a phenomenal quarterback, but he can’t do it all on his own. Jim Harbaugh wants to win with the running game, but you need to throw the ball to win games in the modern NFL. After all, there’s a reason at least one of Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady have participated in all but one of the past eight Super Bowls. James Washington will not singlehandedly lead Los Angeles to a Super Bowl, but the free agent could make life easier for the Chargers star quarterback.
Main Photo: Stephen Lew – USA Today Sports
