Mike Tomlin denies James Washington asked for a trade

Steelers wide receiver James Washington has called for a trade. . . unless he didn’t.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Friday that the receiver had asked to be released. The Steelers denied it a day later.

“He didn’t,” Tomlin said after practice when asked if Washington had expressed displeasure or requested an exchange, via Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “These anonymous sources, we don’t react or respond. James has been great here, working and having a good camp.

Washington was not made available to reporters after jumping for a Mason Rudolph touchdown during Saturday practice.

Washington’s 486 offensive snaps, which accounted for 44.2% of the team’s offensive snaps, placed fourth among the team’s receivers last season. In 16 games, he made 30 catches for 392 yards and five touchdowns.

JuJu Smith-Schuster, Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson likely remain ahead of Washington in terms of opportunities this season, barring injury. So, can offensive coordinator Matt Canada keep everyone happy?

Canada insists Washington has “a good role” in the offensive.

“James Washington is awesome,” said Canada. “He comes to work every day. He’s a good guy to be around. Didn’t say a word to me. Play hard every day and train hard every day. I am a huge fan of James. I am really.”

That doesn’t necessarily mean the Washington agent hasn’t asked Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert for a trade. That doesn’t mean the Steelers won’t trade him, either.

For now, however, Washington remains a Steeler.

The Steelers made Washington a second-round pick in 2018. He has 90 catches for 1,344 yards and nine touchdowns in three seasons.