James Washington didn’t turn into JuJu Smith-Schuster in year one. Unlike his teammate drafted one year early, the Oklahoma State star didn’t see the field every game in 2018. With drop issues and needed confidence, the rookie spent time as the fourth receiver in Pittsburgh, but hopes to develop into the team’s No. 2 option.
It’s going to take time, though. Even if he comes in the season ready to play every week, the Steelers want to have another reliable name on the field for Washington’s second campaign.
They aren’t looking for a superstar. Antonio Brown is impossible to replace, but there are names in free agency that can come in for a year or two and give this team a player to work with.