Things are changing for the better in Western Pennsylvania—at least, that’s the sentiment surrounding Mike Tomlin’s determined Pittsburgh Steelers.
After a season that left fans wanting more, General Manager Omar Khan went to work, addressing roster holes with a sense of urgency. Now, as training camp heats up at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, a new dynamic is unfolding—one that could redefine Pittsburgh’s offensive identity.
Aaron Rodgers, the future Hall of Famer now donning the black and gold, is settling into his new environment with the poise and precision expected of an All-Pro quarterback.
And while much attention is on Rodgers’ impact, one under-the-radar storyline is taking center stage: tight end Darnell Washington becoming his favorite target.
For a player like Washington, the attention is long overdue.
Since entering the NFL in 2023, the former Georgia standout has shown flashes of potential—but with just 26 receptions, 261 yards, and a single touchdown to his name, the production hasn’t lived up to the physical promise.
At 6-foot-7 and over 270 pounds, Washington is a matchup nightmare, yet his role in past offenses has been limited—partly due to Pittsburgh’s quarterback instability.
That seems to be changing.
The Pittsburgh Steelers would benefit from a breakout season from Darnell Washington
With Arthur Smith installing a new offense and Rodgers commanding the huddle, Washington is turning heads.
What began as a few routine check-downs has evolved into red-zone dominance. Day after day, he’s carving up Teryl Austin’s defense, becoming a massive target that Rodgers simply trusts.
You can feel the chemistry brewing. The back-shoulder throws, the jump balls, the laser passes into tight windows—Washington is reeling them in with consistency and confidence.
Currently sitting third on the tight end depth chart behind Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith, Washington still faces an uphill climb. But camp is about moments, and he's stacking them. He’s not just catching passes; he’s making plays that demand attention.
It’s clear Washington is writing a different chapter in his Steelers story. He’s still developing, still finding his voice in a veteran-heavy locker room, but the arrow is pointing up.
If he keeps this up, he won’t be the third option much longer. And if Rodgers has anything to say about it, Darnell Washington might just be the breakout name to watch in Pittsburgh this season.