While the Pittsburgh Steelers have been mentioned in trade rumors for another tight end, the franchise may be overlooking the talent it already has on its roster in tight end Darnell Washington.
At 6-foot-7 and nearly 300 pounds, Washington naturally fits in as an in-line blocking tight end, effectively serving as a third tackle when he’s in the game. But in 2025, he’s reportedly shed 10-15 pounds and looks comfortable out on the practice field for OTAs.
93.7 The Fan shared a short video of Washington running a few routes and added that quarterback Mason Rudolph said the third-year tight end out of Georgia looks like a different player.
#Steelers Darnell Washington said he dropped 10-15 pounds. Mason Rudolph said he looks like a different player. pic.twitter.com/EZ7ZpSoU7S
— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) June 3, 2025
Of course, Washington isn’t going to suddenly start eating heavily into Pat Freiermuth’s target share this season, but if the Steelers are looking to find more receiving options, they don’t have to look far for an underneath threat.
After a very quiet rookie season where he served almost exclusively as a blocker, Washington’s receiving production picked up in 2024 with 19 catches on 25 targets for 200 yards and his first NFL touchdown. With a slimmer frame, he could see another uptick in production in 2025.
Darnell Washington could be the underutilized red zone threat the Pittsburgh Steelers need
Washington has always been an intriguing player because of his size. Through his first two professional seasons, he hasn’t been given much opportunity to show he can mismatch against NFL linebackers, but it’s also clear most defensive backs have a real business decision to make when squaring him up for an open-field tackle.
Sure, a Kyle Pitts-type receiver would be more revolutionary for Pittsburgh’s offense than what Washington brings. But that doesn’t discount what Washington can provide in the passing game in the right situations.
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Washington does his best work in the flats and in the red zone—the latter of which he isn’t utilized enough in. He’s only had four red zone targets in his first two seasons, two each year. Of course, Pat Freiermuth has only had 19, pointing to a larger issue schematically.
Nonetheless, fans would like to see more from Washington in Year 3, particularly in short-yardage situations where he excels, no matter what further changes may come to the offense before the new season kicks off.