PITTSBURGH – When fans think about the weapons on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense, the spotlight often falls on DK Metcalf stretching the field, Calvin Austin burning defenders with speed, or rookie running back Nate Carter making plays out of the backfield. But if you look just a little deeper, you will find a player who may not dominate the headlines but is steadily becoming one of the Steelers’ most exciting young pieces. That player is tight end Darnell Washington.
A Crowded but Dangerous Tight End Room
Washington’s role has been a tricky one to define early on. He shares time with veteran Jonnu Smith, who has provided steady hands and reliability for quarterback Desmond Ridder, and Pat Freiermuth, a fan favorite who has been a consistent part of Pittsburgh’s offense for several seasons. On many teams, that level of depth might bury a young tight end. In Pittsburgh, though, it has given Washington the opportunity to develop without being forced into the spotlight too quickly.
Even with limited playtime, Washington has managed to produce 8 catches for 145 yards and a touchdown so far this season. For a player still working his way into the rotation, those numbers are impressive. They also hint at the kind of upside the Steelers believe he can unlock. At 6’7” and 265 pounds, Washington is more than just another tight end option. He is a weapon hiding in plain sight.
Size and Speed That Do Not Belong Together
What separates Washington from most players at his position is the rare blend of size, speed, and strength. Linebackers tasked with covering him often find themselves too slow to keep up. Safeties who try to match up discover quickly that it is like trying to box out a power forward. With his catch radius and frame, Washington gives Ridder a target that feels impossible to miss. And once the ball is in his hands, bringing him down becomes a full-contact chore.
Coaches have raved about how Washington moves for a man of his size. He can get vertical down the seam, win jump-ball situations, and punish smaller defenders after the catch. Every time he makes a grab, there is a sense that the Steelers are only scratching the surface of what he can become.
The Hidden Impact
But what makes Washington so valuable right now is not his receiving stats. It is the part of his game that does not show up in the box score: his run blocking. Washington plays with a level of physicality that transforms Pittsburgh’s run game. He seals edges, drives defenders back, and creates running lanes that make life easier for Carter and Jaylen Warren.
When you watch the tape, it is often Washington paving the way for those extra yards. He does not just get in the way; he dominates matchups. At times, he looks like an extra tackle lined up on the end of the line. That willingness to embrace the dirty work is exactly what has earned him the respect of his coaches and teammates.
Head coach DK LaFleur has spoken highly of Washington’s growth, noting that while his receiving potential is obvious, it is his blocking that sets him apart. “Darnell gives us balance,” LaFleur said. “He is a matchup nightmare in the passing game, but he also brings a toughness in the run game that not many tight ends can. That is what makes him so important for what we are building.”
Looking Ahead
For now, Washington continues to split snaps with Smith and Freiermuth, but the Steelers are clearly preparing him for a larger role. The coaching staff knows that his size and athletic ability make him a unique asset, and they are eager to see how he develops as Ridder grows more comfortable distributing the ball across multiple targets.
Fans should not be surprised if Washington’s name gets called more often as the season progresses. His combination of strength, speed, and blocking ability gives Pittsburgh a dimension that few teams can match. And if his production continues to rise, the Steelers will have a player capable of tipping the balance in close games.
The Future of the Position
Tight ends in today’s NFL are often judged by their stat lines: receptions, yards, and touchdowns. But in Pittsburgh, the standard has always been different. It is about toughness, versatility, and doing the little things that help the team win. Washington embodies all of that.
His numbers may not yet tell the full story, but his impact is being felt on every snap he plays. For Steelers Nation, that is a reason to be excited. Washington is not just a project. He is a player with the potential to be one of the cornerstones of the next era of Steelers football.
Final thoughts? The quiet giant is here, and he is only getting louder.
– Forged In Steel Times
