NFL Rumors: Former Steelers, Cowboys WR James Washington Has Inquiries from Teams
Scott Polacek@@ScottPolacekFeatured Columnist IVJune 20, 2024
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James Washington hasn’t played a game since the 2022 season, but the wide receiver has his eyes on a comeback.
“I was forgotten about, and I want to show the world I still have it,” Washington said in a Wednesday Instagram video revealing he is working toward returning to the NFL (h/t Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk).
“People say, ‘He’s done. He’s washed.’ There’s still a lot of meat left on the bone conditioning-wise, physical-wise. I’m stronger than ever. I train five days a week, and the other two days of the week I’m thinking about it.”
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported “multiple” teams have reached out to Washington, and he could try out for them in the near future.
Williams noted Washington signed with the Dallas Cowboys ahead of the 2022 campaign but suffered a left foot injury in the spring and then fractured his right foot in training camp.
The Jones fracture required surgery.
Williams also pointed out the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts cut him in August ahead of the 2023 season, so he has at least come somewhat close to returning in the recent past.
NFL @NFLJames Washington GOT UP. #HereWeGo
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The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Washington with a second-round pick out of Oklahoma State in the 2018 NFL draft.
While he was a secondary contributor as a rookie, he enjoyed a breakout showing in his second year with 44 catches for 735 yards and three touchdowns. Yet he never reached the 400-yard mark in a season after that even though he finished with a career-high five touchdown catches in 2020.
Washington is still just 28 years old and could at least provide receiving depth for a team that signs him this offseason.
He is far enough removed from the injury that it ideally won’t be much of a concern, and he is looking to add a comeback chapter to his story before the upcoming season.
