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Bold predictions: 4 Steelers who leave and 4 who return in 2022

By Michelle Kotts

Oct 3, 2021; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) can't make the catch in the second quarter during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2021; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) can't make the catch in the second quarter during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Steelers wide receiver James Washington (13). Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

4 Steelers who won’t return in 2022

4. Steelers WR James Washington

James Washington is in a precarious situation with Pittsburgh as he is an unrestricted agent at the end of the season. Then we had the bizarre story that surfaced during pre-season when ESPN reporter Adam Schefter reported Washington had requested a trade, which the rumor later got refuted.

Then in week five was the injury to JuJu Smith-Schuster, which had many speculating Washington would play a larger role in the Pittsburgh passing game going forward. The Seattle Seahawks game quickly dispelled that notion. However, in fairness, there are still 11 games left, so it’s hard to fathom Washington not having an elevated role in a few of those games. So we still have to wait to see how the season plays out.

Then we still have the story from the start of the season about the trade rumor. Although refuted by the Steelers, Washington, back on August 18, publicly addressed the rumor, never completely denying he had asked for a trade. So, in this case, where there is smoke, there is fire.

Though we should wait to see how the remaining games play out, if Washington does not significantly improve his workload as a go-to receiver, it is likely that once his contract ends, he will look to see what offers he gets from others. While he is no Jerry Rice, Washington is good enough that a few other teams could want him.

When the season ends, expect to see Washington go to another team for a huge payday increase. It seems unlikely Pittsburgh gets into a bidding war to keep Washington.

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