Editor’s note: From now until reporting day to training camp at Saint Vincent College, TribLive is running through the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 90-man roster, looking at each player and assessing his outlook for the 2025 season. The breakdown will run in alphabetical order with at least two players each day between June 12 and July 23. Contract data courtesy spotrac.com.
TE DARNELL WASHINGTON
Experience/age: Third season, turns 24 in August
Contract status: $1,460,157 cap hit, signed through 2026
The past: In the first year of Arthur Smith’s offense, Washington saw a slight uptick in playing time in his second NFL season. He also far outproduced his stats from his first season with the Steelers.
The massive tight end played 52% of the snaps, up 4% from 2023. He started nine games mostly as an inline blocking tight end after starting seven as a rookie.
Washington, though, had 25 targets in Smith’s offense compared to 10 his first season with Matt Canada and the Eddie Faulkner/Mike Sullivan tandem calling plays. Washington had 19 receptions for 200 yards and one touchdown.
Washington is listed at 264 pounds, but he played much heavier last season. Washington worked on his conditioning and reported to offseason workouts looking leaner than he had in previous years.
#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
2025 outlook: Washington, with his 6-foot-7 frame and long wing span, presents an inviting target to new quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has compared him to Marcedes Lewis, now entering his 20th season.
Although the Steelers traded for tight end Jonnu Smith, Washington should continue to see his share of snaps in multiple tight end formations. Smith can be moved around the offense to other positions, which could help Washington remain on the field to complement starting tight end Pat Freiermuth.
Washington hasn’t missed a game in his two-year NFL career, and if he remains healthy, he can figure prominently into the offensive mix this season.
