Steelers' Darnell Washington Looked Very "Different" Early In Critical 2025 Offseason

The Pittsburgh Steelers liked what they saw out of a lot of players during the first preseason game in 2025, especially from an offense that managed to score 31 points -- despite many starters not playing in the game. There seemed to be a lot of unseen potential from numerous players, as the late-stage preseason battles look to be even more enticing than expected. There are plenty of players looking for increased snaps, even for the ones that are basically confirmed to be on the 53-man roster for Week 1. 

One of those players is big tight end Darnell Washington, who had a nice route on a 19-yard touchdown catch on the first offensive drive for Pittsburgh. The big blocker showed off what he could do in the receiving game, and he turned a lot of heads with his deep route. There has been rumors of him potentially getting more looks, but now the world has seen what he can do in the middle of the field at the professional level.

Insider Mark Kaboly saw what the coaching staff saw early on. While co-hosting Kaboly + Mack, he explained his mindset when "Mount" Washington came back for Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in the 2025 offseason.

"I was down on Darnell his first two years, because I viewed him as nothing more than a blocking tight end with bad knees," Kaboly explained. "If he was going to get through that first contract, he was going to be lucky. He shows up for OTAs. Almost immediately, I'm like, 'Woah, this dude's different.' He's not just different looking, but just how he was playing, running routes, maybe confidence. He pushed that into minicamp, he pushed that into training camp, and we see the fruits of his labor have now come to the forefront in the preseason game... This guy has all of a sudden emerged as a potential weapon."

Washington's route running was always a concern, as his knee issues were flagged by every team in the draft process. That's why he fell to the end of the third round in 2023 when he was supposed to be a second-round talent. It's unclear exactly what Washington did to overcome that, as that clearly hampered his ability to have an impact in the passing game in 2023 and 2024. 

Washington didn't just run a five-yard hitch route for the score. He ran a deep seam route and made the catch in stride before falling into the end zone for a touchdown; he seemed to do it so flawlessly too. That doesn't look like someone who's knees are bothering him, and that especially doesn't look like a player that will have to become an offensive tackle just to play a couple more years in the NFL. 

Steelers' Offensive Gameplan Works Even Better With Washington's Emergence

Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith is known for his love of two and three tight end sets. With the lack of surefire talent at the wide receiver position outside of DK Metcalf, it seemed like Smith was looking to run more plays out of those personnel groupings, even though he has led the league in that category numerous times. Trading for Jonnu Smith only enhanced that thinking, and so does Washington's newfound route-running ability. 

The Steelers have plenty of tight ends with great hands. Jonnu Smith has shown versatility to play multiple positions, including slot receiver. Washington and Pat Freiermuth can make things happen in the middle of the field, especially the big 6'7" third-year tight end, who towers over everyone in the secondary. Opposing defenses will not have fun game planning to stop this passing game.

What do you think about Washington going from a potential offensive tackle convert to a quality receiver? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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