Steelers' Darnell Washington Conveniently Reminds Aaron Rodgers Of A Former All-Time Great Teammate

The Pittsburgh Steelers' signed four-time league MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a one-year $13.65 million contract on June 5th after months of anticipation. This signing was just in time for mandatory minicamp. After the conclusion of Pittsburgh's first official minicamp practice, Rodgers met with the media to discuss his signing and expectations for the upcoming season. One of the big takeaways from this press conference was how highly Rodgers spoke of his new teammates. However, Rodgers was obvious in comparing a young star in the Steelers' tight end room to one of Rodgers' favorite teammates of all-time. 

Darnell Washington was selected with the 93rd pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Steelers. Throughout his first two seasons with the team, he has not been much of a factor in the passing game. Washington totaled 19 catches for 200 yards and one touchdown last season. However, Rodgers did not shy away from comparing Washington to someone who the veteran QB considers to be one of the best ever at the tight end position. 

"I like the opportunity to work with all the guys in the tight end room, there's a lot of guys with different skill sets," Rodgers explained. "I told Darnell today I haven't had a tight end like him since Marcedes [Lewis], and Marcedes, all-time great. Darnell is like a young Marcedes, able to do things in the passing game, dominate the line of scrimmage."

Washington is listed to be 6'7" and weighs just over 260 pounds. These numbers are almost identical to those of Marcedes Lewis. It is easy to see why Rodgers compares the two. They are both the type of tight ends who are known for their size and blocking ability. This play style is highly desirable in an offense that utilizes a lot of play-action.

For Rodgers to talk so highly of Washington, it shows his confidence in the continued growth of the young tight end. Fans should continue to expect a heavy dosage of Pat Freiermuth to lead the tight end room for the foreseeable future, however, with Rodgers in town, fans can reasonably expect the Steelers' offense to look different this season. In Year 2 of Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, we can expect to see the team cater to Rodgers, so seeing Washington on the field, even as a blocker, could make a world of a difference for Rodgers and company. Along with Washington, other members of the tight end room also received praise from Rodgers during his press conference. 

"There's a lot of guys in that room with great skill sets," said Rodgers.

In an offense that traded away star receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys earlier this offseason, someone will need to step up production-wise for Pittsburgh and it is very likely that we see another face from the tight end room emerge as a top target for Rodgers and the Steelers during the 2025 season. 

The Steelers Built Their Offense For Aaron Rodgers To Succeed

It has undoubtedly been an offseason full of change for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now that we have more clarity on exactly what the offense will look like for the 2025 season, it is easier to see exactly what the Steelers were thinking when free agency began back in March. The goals for the Steelers on offense are extremely clear: they wanted to cater to Rodgers to give him the best possible shot at winning another Super Bowl title. 

From trading for DK Metcalf to singing Darius Slay, Pittsburgh has made a clear effort to grab established veteran talent to surround their quarterback as well. With an already rising offensive line, and a defense that is set to continue to be very dominant for years to come, the Steelers filled the holes they needed to in order to make another postseason push.

How do you think the offense will look with Rodgers under center? Let us know in the comments down below!

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