With NFL front offices ramping up to trim rosters ahead of the regular season, the time for tough decisions has arrived. The Pittsburgh Steelers are no different.
Every preseason snap matters — and for some players, it's their final audition. Underwhelming production, missed reps, and an ever-shrinking window of opportunity can spell the end of a stint with a team.
But when I saw CBS Sports' Jeff Kerr list Darnell Washington as a “veteran player in danger of being cut,” I was stunned.
To put it simply: Jeff completely missed the mark on this one.
Yes, it’s true that Washington hasn’t made waves statistically since arriving in Pittsburgh in 2023. Through his first season, he’s posted just 261 receiving yards and one touchdown. Not exactly numbers that pop off the page.
But if you’ve been paying attention — and I mean really watching — you’d know Washington’s contributions go well beyond the box score.
The former Georgia Bulldog is a physical freak.
At 6-7 and 265 pounds, he’s a mismatch nightmare waiting to happen. While his prior usage in the passing game has been limited, his presence on the field has still been valuable. His blocking is exceptional, and his size alone demands attention from defenses.
More importantly, he’s showing real growth — both on and off the field.
The Pitsburgh Steelers know they should not cut Darnell Washingotn from the 53-man roster
Since Aaron Rodgers arrived in Pittsburgh, Washington has seemingly found new life. The veteran quarterback has spoken highly of Washington and built a clear connection with him during training camp.
The two connected on multiple touchdowns in practice, with Washington showcasing his ability to high-point balls and box out defenders like a power forward in the red zone.
That chemistry carried over into preseason action. In Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Washington caught a 19-yard touchdown pass from Mason Rudolph — his only catch so far, but one that turned heads. It wasn’t just the score that impressed — it was the route, the timing, the trust.
It was a flash of what Washington could bring to the Steelers' offense if given the opportunity.
Sure, the Steelers' tight end room is crowded. Pat Freiermuth is a top-tier talent when healthy, Jonnu Smith brings experience, and Connor Heyward is versatile. It’s not easy to justify four tight ends on a 53-man roster. But cutting Darnell Washington?
That would be a mistake — plain and simple.
He’s not just a big body. He’s a developing weapon in Arthur Smith’s offensive system, which has historically made great use of athletic tight ends. Washington fits that mold and brings a unique blend of size and strength that the others simply don’t match.
Yes, the NFL is a “what have you done for me lately” league. But Washington *has* done something — and it’s trending in the right direction.
Jeff Kerr’s take may have been rooted in numbers, but the eye test — and the potential — tells a different story. Washington deserves a roster spot, and if the Steelers are smart, they’ll give him the time and snaps he needs to become the difference-maker he’s capable of being.