The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense has a completely new look following all their high-profile moves this past offseason. The additions of DK Metcalf, Aaron Rodgers, rookie Kaleb Johnson, and Jonnu Smith have given the offense a whole different feel to it, even if there are questions about how all the pieces fit together.
Fans didn't get to see any of the veteran additions in the preseason opener against the Jaguars, but that allowed some returning talent to take center stage. One of those players is massive tight end Darnell Washington, who suddenly finds himself third on the depth chart after the addition of Smith.
Let's be honest; Washington is really still the No. 2 tight end, as both Smith and Pat Freiermuth will play plenty in the slot. Still, it's clear that the 2023 third-round pick will have a hard time earning targets with those two on the roster. However, his performance against the Jaguars should have coaches scrambling to find ways to get him more involved in the offense.
Pittsburgh Steelers need to get Darnell Washington more involved in the passing game
On the Steelers' first drive against the Jaguars Saturday night, Mason Rudolph was moving the offense downfield with ease. He hit multiple different targets to get the team into the redzone before cashing in a touchdown on a perfect throw up the seam to Washington.
Darnell Washington scores the @Steelers' first TD of the preseason 😤
— NFL (@NFL) August 9, 2025
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It was a great example of why many fans have been frustrated by the affectionately named "Mount Washington" not being targeted more in the passing game. He has legitimate speed when given a runway to get going, and he is a threat with the ball in his hands thanks to his enormous frame and surprising fluidity in the open field.
He lacks the route running and agility to be a volume receiver, but he could easily be more productive than he has been through two seasons. Even if he can just be a redzone threat, that would help solve a problem that has plagued the offense for years.
It's not quite as simple as just throwing it up for him to outmuscle defenders, but sometimes it is. Some teams simply don't have a player with the size and speed to handle him one-on-one, which will make it a necessity to have two players on him in the redzone.
That will open up room for the likes of Metcalf and the other receivers, who are better at actually creating separation. For that to work, however, they need to actually target him. With Aaron Rodgers now the quarterback in Pittsburgh, I have a feeling that we will finally see that happen.