Did he or didn't he? That's the question.
A national report emerged two weeks ago that James Washington had requested a trade from the Steelers following the team's 16-3 victory in the Hall of Fame game against the Cowboys.
Mike Tomlin denied Washington had made such a request, but given the opportunity to do so himself on Wednesday, the fourth-year wide receiver declined to do so.
Of course, he also didn't admit to it.
"That’s a private conversation,” Washington said. “As far as being happy in Pittsburgh, I love it here. Who wouldn’t be happy playing football as their job? So, you know I come into work with a smile on my face. I’m eager to be here with the guys.”
Washington saw his snap count decrease from 64 percent in 2019, when he caught 44 passes for a team-best 735 yards and three touchdowns, to 44 percent in 2020. His receptions total suffered, as well, as he finished with 30 receptions for 392 yards and five touchdowns, being surpassed on the depth chart by second-round draft pick Chase Claypool.
Washington played behind not only Claypool, Diontae Johnson and JuJu Smith-Schuster in the Hall of Fame game, but Ray-Ray McCloud saw action before the 2018 second-round draft pick, as well.
But with Claypool out of practice Wednesday with a sprained ankle suffered in Tuesday's practice, Washington saw an increase in snaps with the first-team offense.
He responded with a leaping touchdown catch over cornerback Mark Gilbert in the end zone, one of two touchdowns he had in the rainy practice.
Washington will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2021 season, so it's understandable he might be frustrated with his slide down the depth chart. He's not a player who pounds his chest or demands the ball, but he has spoken with the coaching staff about how he might see more of a role in first-year offensive coordinator Matt Canada's offense.
"It’s been talked about,” Washington said. “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.”