4 wide receivers who could replace JuJu Smith-Schuster for Steelers

James Washington

James Washington is the receiver most likely to fill this role – mainly because he’s already on the team. Though Washington did most of his damage outside of the hashes in 2020, there is plenty of reason to believe that he could slide into the slot and take on JuJu’s old role for the Steelers.

Though he may not be quite as shifty after the catch, Washington is deceitfully fast and he pacts a punch on impact (thing his touchdown against the Cowboys from five yards out in Week 9). The former second-round draft choice certainly does not lack physicality at the catch point and he was very good for Pittsburgh down the stretch.

While we don’t know if Washington is going to be a candidate who could re-sign with the team beyond the 2021 season when his rookie contract expires, he could have a shot to prove his worth as the reliable safety value over the middle of this season. With the way he has stepped up his game over the past two seasons, Washington deserves a shot at a much larger role.