Several members of the Pittsburgh Steelers are under immense pressure in 2020.
The Pittsburgh Steelers sit at a crossroads with a roster comprised of aging veterans and rising young players. In the past two years, the Steelers are 17-14-1 and have no postseason appearances. With Ben Roethlisberger approaching retirement, Pittsburgh faces a mounting wave of pressure before an inevitable rebuilding period.
However, several players find themselves in situations where a poor performance in 2020 could prove career-altering.
This list is entirely separate from five players who must step up in 2020 piece that came out over a month ago. While that article focused on players the Steelers need more from, this article highlights players who personally need big performances in 2020.
5. James Washington, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers selected Washington with a second-round pick in 2018. As a rookie, Washington didn’t make much of an impact. Despite playing 47 percent of the team’s offensive snaps, he only generated 16 receptions for 217 yards and a touchdown. At the time, the younger JuJu Smith-Schuster was putting Washington to shame.
However, Washington finally got his footing in 2019. With Smith-Schuster missing time and Donte Moncrief falling through as one of the worst free-agent signings in team history, Washington got his time in the spotlight.
Alongside Devlin Hodges and Mason Rudolph, who Washington played with at Oklahoma State, the second-year receiver posted career numbers. In ten starts and 15 total games, Washington hauled in 44 passes for 735 yards and three touchdowns. He led the team in receiving yards and tied for second in receiving touchdowns.
It’s one thing to post solid numbers during a season with low expectations, but it’s something entirely different when the bar is raised. With Roethlisberger returning to the lineup and Pittsburgh setting its eyes on the playoffs, Washington must continue improving. If he falls behind in 2020, the Steelers might let him walk when his rookie deal ends after the 2021 season.