We’ve already talked about WR Nate Washington and the chance of him leaving the Black and Gold this offseason. Now Sports Illustrated is throwing it out there that the Steelers 3rd Wide Out probably won’t be back in 2009. Don’t forget if Washington does leave, the team will likely give that 3rd wide out spot to last seasons second-round pick Limas Sweed. Here is the report from Sports Illustrated on the chance of Washington leaving the team:
Wide receiver Nate Washington had a very nice year for Pittsburgh and offensive coordinator Bruce Arians considers him a valuable piece of the puzzle. But the Steelers aren’t likely to overvalue him, and if another team comes after him with sizable dollars, Pittsburgh will probably be prepared to thank him for his service and bid him adieu.
At this point with who else has to get taken care of, I tend to agree, Washington has played his last game in a Steelers uniform.
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mark
February 6, 2009 at 7:28 am
That would be too bad. Nate has been a valuable player for the Steelers without question! Sweed, well there is potential but like I said a month ago on a similar topic, why weaken a strong spot when Sweed is a HUGE question mark? I figure Nate will get generous offers but I cant imagine the Steelers not being able to match them. No one is going to give him #1 money so there is still a chance he could be back. Does anyone else trust Sweed enough to hand him the #3 spot?
Jay sabo
February 6, 2009 at 12:02 pm
I agree with you, Mark except I’d almost rather see Pittsburgh extend Miller and Harrison, etc., than Wahington. I REALLY liked what Nate did this year and do think he will be an NFL fantasy player in a season or two for someone else but we spent a high pick on Sweed and need to find out about him. I think the NFL stage got a bit big for Sweed this year (i.e., simply being in the league) which is why we saw some seeming “nerves” from him…I also think it helped for him to get valuable PT in BIG games and may serve him well in his “sophomore” season. IF we can keep Nate WHILE retaining everyone else, GREAT…DO IT! But I’ve been watching this team too long to know that that’s not how it works…Incidentally, I no longer care about the fact that we don’t play a significant hand in free agency…it would be nice and I’m sure down the road there may be a raised brow or two on my end but after SIX (6), I now know that I have a lot of studying to do to even begin to think I know a fraction as much as this organization.
mark
February 6, 2009 at 1:05 pm
I totally agree with extending Miller and Harrison first and foremost. Then there is Mcfadden too. After that, I wouldnt care if they lost Kemoeatu or any other OL-man. That needs to be addressed in the draft. Starks may stay though. Your right about the organization, we know NOTHING compared to this championship caliber organization
Matt Loede
February 7, 2009 at 1:04 pm
The O-line had better be the #1 issue this offseason, I don’t care if it’s in free agency or the draft, they had better get it shored up or Ben will never have a 3rd SB ring!
mark
February 7, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Cant argue with that Matt. The only thing that worries me about the O-line is this: they just won a Super Bowl.I think we all thought this team would only go as far as the line would let them, it was an obvious weak spot. Then they go and win the whole thing! Granted, the line was adequate but we won because of Defense and Ben. What are the chances this line is NOT completely overhauled?
Gerrad in Erie
February 8, 2009 at 3:42 am
Pretty much everyone sees Washington leaving, and I dont like the taste of it, but I dont see Washington being a go-to guy in Pittsburgh, and I am sure he would be much happier somewhere else. I personally would gamble on Sweed taking that 3rd spot, he has shown his ability to block downfield, Sweed is a big target, and he can break for a deep ball. The drops do not bother me, not at this point in his career. Sorry Nate, but we need the money elsewhere.
mark
February 8, 2009 at 5:44 pm
Well, that is optimistic thinking for sure Gerrad. I wouldnt give up on Sweed either but I think Nate is a fine receiver and a good Steeler fit. Your probably right about him being happy somewhere where he can be a “go-to” guy. I remember Alvin Harper and our own Andre Hastings feeling the same way and neither made an impact when they left their cozy systems. I hope Nate stays, but I expect him in Miami next season.
Paul
February 9, 2009 at 2:00 am
Too short, too slow and too expensive. Get Sweed ready to start and let the second tie go to Arizona with the rest of the rejects. Got that wizzdandrinker?
Jay
February 9, 2009 at 5:58 pm
I agree with everyone on here although I don’t think Nate is Too $hort (he’s that Oakland rapper) nor do I think he’s too slow and I don’t even think he’s too expensive relatively speaking (there’ll be a lot more expensive free agent receivers past, present, and future than Nate)…I DO think that if Sweed gains about ten pounds and learns how to catch, he’ll be devastatingly better than Nate! Those two aforementioned traits are HIGHLY attainable (remember, Nate learned how to catch too). It really all comes down to HIS DESIRE and HOW the coaching staff handles him. We all know that Arians loves to throw the ball so let’s see what he can do.
Richard
February 15, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Yes i agree also, Nate will probably endup with the 49’ers etc..We have to get Sweed going. We spent the high pick so he’s gotta be out there. Nate is good tho i will say it’s taken him a while to develop and he’s never really had a BIG game and his blocking isn’t that great as i’ve seen. He will be a great asset to someone else, But once sweed get’s goin OHHH MY it’s gonna be somthing special. Sweed and Holmes are the future of the steelers WR core.
PGH John
February 26, 2009 at 9:54 am
Both Washington and Sweed are being mentored by Hines Ward. HINES WARD. Both have an upside to them.
When Hines retires, the Steelers will wish they still had both Washington and Sweed to back up Holmes.
Keep Nate. Seriously.
MOTORTED
July 2, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Good riddance to Nate “Stone Hands” Washington