With one preseason game left, it’s almost time for NFL teams to cut their roster down to 53 players. The most devastating day of the NFL calendar is typically filled with predictable moves, as well as some moves no one saw coming. There’s no easy way to cut nearly 40 players, but it’s something every team must do before the start of the season.
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, there shouldn’t be any surprising moves, but one expert is predicting a move that would certainly catch fans off guard. In a recent CBS Sports piece, Jeff Kerr named 14 veterans who could soon be cut by their respective teams. One of those veterans was Steelers tight end Darnell Washington.
It seems safe to say that it certainly won’t happen, but if it did, it would be an awful decision by Pittsburgh.
CBS Sports says the Pittsburgh Steelers might cut Darnell Washington
Kerr argues that Pittsburgh doesn’t really need Washington since they are set at tight end with Pat Friermuth and Jonnu Smith, and also have Connor Hayward as an extra chess piece.
"The Steelers have options at tight end as well. Pat Freiermuth is the starter and Jonnu Smith was acquired in an offseason trade, so they are the clear roster locks. Washington is a nice player, but Connor Heyward can play fullback and be used as an extra blocker.Jeff Kerr (CBS Sports)
If the Steelers keep four tight ends, Washington is on the roster. If they keep three, the third spot is between Washington and Heyward. The 6-foot-7 Washington is also a good red zone target, making the decision tougher. "
While Kerr is correct that the Steelers have talented players in front of Washington, it would still be a bad move to cut him. For starters, it’s important to have depth. If Freiermuth or Smith has to miss any time, Washington is the perfect backup to fill in for them.
Beyond his role as a depth player, he has a ton of upside and promise. Entering his third season in the league, the 6-foot-7 Washington has 26 receptions for 261 yards and one touchdown. He’s also very clearly just scratching the surface of what he could be in the league. Giving up on him right now would be foolish by the Steelers.