The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to be one of the more interesting teams to pay attention to during the 2025 NFL season. The roster is extremely different from what it has been over the last two years, and there are a lot of new faces in Pittsburgh. The roster changed even more on Monday after the Steelers completed a trade with the Miami Dolphins which sent Minkah Fitzpatrick to Miami, while Pittsburgh acquired Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith. The Black and Gold were able to make an addition on both sides of the ball, which could mean a lot for the players that were already on the roster.
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Former Falcons tight end Jonnu Smith lines up during a game on the road.
The tight end room in the Steel City is now a bit crowded. Pat Freiermuth will still likely be the starting tight end, but Smith will probably be on the field quite a bit as the Steelers like to run their offense with two tight ends on the field. Where things get interesting is with Darnell Washington, who is a great blocking tight end, but has some improvements to make in the passing game. Some thought the third-year tight end looked lighter and quicker during Organized Team Activities (OTAs), but insider Brian Batko joined 93.7 The Fan to give his thoughts on the player.
"Darnell Washington, I told you and Donny yesterday, I was not really on his hype train during OTAs and minicamp," Batko said. "I think he is what he is, I think he's a nice player. He can throw people around in the blocking game, and every once in a while, he'll pop up like Whac-A-Mole and catch a big pass in the red zone. I don't think he's going to be a consistent piece in this passing offense."
Washington has been a fine player throughout the first two seasons of his career, and he has been a force in the running game. He is bigger than most defenders, and he is a key factor in some of Pittsburgh's run schemes. However, teams like their tight ends to be able to block and be a factor in the passing game. Now with a Pro Bowl tight end in the mix in Smith, it is hard to imagine where Washington is going to be needed much in the passing game outside of possibly the red zone.
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Steelers' Darnell Washington (80) catches his first career touchdown against the Denver Broncos and celebrates in the end zone with his teammates during the Week 2 matchup in 2024.
The tight end did take a step forward in 2024 from what he did in 2023. He caught 19 passes for 200 yards and a touchdown, which is fine production from a tight end who usually isn't the primary target on any passing play. His numbers will probably take a step back now that Smith is in the picture, which is completely understandable considering Smith is coming off the best season of his career in which he earned a Pro Bowl nod.
Smith's versatility is also interesting. He has been a great blocker as well at points in his career, which will probably be a part of his game that Pittsburgh will want to highlight.
Steelers Need To Be Cautious With Playing Darnell Washington
The Steelers need to be careful with how the offensive coaching staff is deploying Washington during games. The offense was very predictable during the 2023 season and when it was being run by Matt Canada. Fans absolutely don't want to see it become that again. Washington is prolific in the run game, but he needs to be used some in the passing game as well to keep the opposing defense guessing. If the Steelers run the ball every time Washington is on the field, or most of the time, it could become an issue against some of the better defenses in the league.
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Tight end Darnell Washington makes his Steelers debut in Week 1 of the 2023 preseason against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The tight end position is going to be interesting to pay attention to now that Smith has joined the roster. The room is crowded, but certainly talented.
What do you think about Batko's c? Let us know in the comments below!
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