Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Already Has A New Favorite Target

The Pittsburgh Steelers know that it will take quite a while to get strong chemistry on the offensive side of the ball with new quarterback Aaron Rodgers, as he is in a brand-new system with a bunch of players that he has never played with before. Luckily, it's just the beginning of training camp, so there is still some time to get the kinks worked out and get everyone on the same page. Pittsburgh's new passer, historically, likes to find a couple players and target them specifically, so many weapons have to compete for that attention.

Rodgers may have already found one of his favorite targets. So far in training camp, fans and analysts have noticed that he has paid a lot of attention to tight end Darnell Washington all throughout practice. 

In Arthur Smith's tight end-heavy offense, Washington is expected to see plenty of playing time. The big 6'7" mountain of a man has primarily been a blocker in his two seasons in the NFL, but he has had a few moments as a receiver, including lining up wide and catching the Steelers' first touchdown of the 2024 season. There is definitely potential there, especially since he towers over almost every defensive back in the NFL. 

Rodgers has connected with Washington multiple times early on in training camp, including during a critical part in Saturday's "Seven Shots" drill. The big tight end may not be much of a route runner, but he can still be useful over the middle as a safety valve, as well as an option out wide to simply out-reach the defensive back. Either way, "Mount" Washington could easily set career highs in pretty much every statistical category. 

On top of that, Rodgers has thrived in multi-tight end sets in recent years, which perfectly fits with Smith's scheme. Even with Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith already on the roster, the former third-round pick should see an increase in snap count and targets. His frame is perfect for red zone routes, where Pittsburgh struggled in during the 2024 season. Him receiving a handful of touchdowns in 2025 is not out of the question.

One man's fortune is another man's misfortune. Jonnu Smith was acquired to be a versatile receiver for Rodgers, but he missed the first two days of training camp for undisclosed reasons. That gave Washington and Freiermuth more time to work with the 41-year-old passer. Freiermuth has seen some attention from his new quarterback as well, but the supposed blocking tight end of the group has been especially highlighted during team drills. 

Everything is set up for Rodgers and his tight ends to thrive. Even with Washington being the main player at that position receiving targets, there is still over a month of practices and preseason games to go for the whole group to develop that chemistry. Arthur Smith may love the multi-tight end personnel groups, but he may be forced to go to that more than even he is used to just to give Rodgers the best chance to thrive with his targets.

Steelers' Game Plan Could Slow Down Top Offenses

Obviously, when the tight end group is a featured part of the offense, the plan is not to get splash play after splash play and score in five plays. DK Metcalf may make that happen occasionally, but the plan is to wear out opposing defenses with 10+ play drives. That will also keep opposing offenses off the field. The Cincinnati Bengals will have a tough time putting up 38 points if they only have six offensive possessions. 

What do you think about Rodgers utilizing Washington a lot in training camp so far? Will they be a great duo in 2025? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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