Steelers See Something Different And Special In Darnell Washington Heading Into 2025 NFL Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers' tight end room has taken major headlines in the NFL. With Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington leading the charge, this Steelers group is legitimately one of the best in the league. Even the fourth and fifth tight ends, Connor Heyward and rookie JJ Galbreath, have continued to turn heads during training camp, setting up what could be a fierce battle for the final tight end spot on the roster.

When the Steelers selected Washington in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, they were thrilled by his rare combination of size, strength, and elite blocking ability. At 6'7", Washington was viewed as almost an extra offensive lineman with upside. Now, heading into his second season, the former Georgia standout is showing real growth as a pass catcher, which is making him a much more complete weapon in Pittsburgh’s offense.

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly revealed a massive statement about Washington during Monday’s episode of his Kaboly + Mack podcast. According to Kaboly, Washington has started to look different at training camp, and it is something the team has quietly noticed for weeks. With his improved route-running and increased confidence in the red zone, Washington could be on the verge of a breakout year in 2025.

"I never thought that Darnell Washington was going to turn into anything after last year," Kaboly said. "This guy could barely walk; he was a one-contract guy. He has healed up something, man. He is a different player."

The early reports coming out of training camp about Washington are truly exciting. Kaboly had been ready to write off Washington during the 2024 season because he appeared to be really banged up. Now, Kaboly has noticed that Washington looks healthy and is moving extremely well.

Washington dominated TJ Watt and company during key drills at Friday Night Lights, further fueling the excitement around his development. If he continues this trajectory, the signs are pointing to a potential breakout season in 2025.

"If you are having a training camp MVP, he [Darnell Washington] might be up there right now," Kaboly said. "He has been the top guy."

Kaboly went as far as to say that he would name Washington his current favorite to win Training Camp MVP if such an award existed. Washington is entering his third year in the NFL, and many are expecting a dominant showing because of his physicality. His ability to block and play with strength has never been in question, and that part of his game is well established.

Steelers' Arthur Smith Has His Greatest Wish Met For The 2025 NFL Season

The key to Washington becoming one of the elite tight ends in the NFL is continued growth as a pass catcher. He has been targeted just 35 times over his first two seasons but has caught 26 of those passes, proving to be a reliable option when given the chance. In a crowded and talented tight end room, how Arthur Smith decides to divide the target share will be one of the most interesting things to watch.

Washington finished the 2024 season with 200 receiving yards and one touchdown. Now, with Rodgers in town and a clear need for the tight ends to step up in the passing game, Washington could surprise many by becoming a much bigger factor through the air in 2025.

It’s no secret that Smith loves to use his tight ends. Well, he has his greatest wish met for the 2025 NFL season. Smith arguably has the best tight end room in football. If he can’t make it work in 2025, the calls for him to be fired will be through the roof.

#SteelerNation