Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Could Have 1 Secret Weapon In 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense will feature three tight ends that could all make a significant impact in 2025. Led by Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith, the Steelers' tight end room has a promising mix of younger and veteran players that will look to play at an elite level. Pittsburgh has Darnell Washington at its disposal as well, as the young tight end will look to take a step up in the passing game during his third NFL season.

Washington is a promising tight end that has tons of untapped potential. Washington is one of the bigger tight ends in the league at 6'7", 264 pounds and his athletic ability could prove to be a game-changer in 2025. Washington will be catching passes from Aaron Rodgers throughout the year as well, as Rodgers could aid in unlocking Washington's full potential in the passing game.

The Athletic's Mike DeFabo recently shared his thoughts on what Rodgers and Washington's connection could be, as the veteran quarterback has targeted Washington often throughout the course of training camp.

"Rodgers targeted the 6-7, 300-plus pound TE often during training camp." DeFabo wrote.

DeFabo continued to write about Washington's athleticism, as the tight end has often been a mismatch for opposing defenses.

 "Washington has always been a mismatch, but it seems he may now have a quarterback who wants to unlock his potential in the passing game."

Washington could emerge as an elite red zone threat. The tight end's size and strength alone make him a legitimate weapon, but the Steelers could find themselves with a massive hidden gem on their hands should Rodgers develop a red zone connection with Washington. The former third-round pick will begin the season as the third tight end on the depth chart behind Freiermuth and Smith, but the promising young player could quickly find himself with a key role in the red zone.

Entering his third NFL season, Washington will be a major beneficiary of playing on the same offensive unit as Rodgers. Washington may benefit from playing behind Smith and Freiermuth as well, as both tight ends are talented veteran players that could help Washington break out in the passing game. The Steelers take on the New York Jets on the road in Week 1 as Washington will look to begin the season with a breakout performance.

Steelers' Washington Could Emerge As A Top Red Zone Target For Rodgers

Washington is one of the biggest and most athletic tight ends in all of football. The rising star could quickly emerge as one of Rodgers' favorite red zone targets in 2025. Washington was credited with 200 yards and one touchdown on 19 receptions back in 2024, but with Rodgers at the helm, the athletic tight end could quickly begin to produce at a higher level.

Despite having just one touchdown throughout the first two years of his career, Washington has continued to develop his game, and will look to prove himself as a legitimate red zone target throughout 2025. 

Washington showed flashes of his potential during the 2024 campaign, but could take a massive leap in his game with Rodgers throwing him the football. Washington will look to get off to a quick start on Sunday as the promising tight end will begin the most important season of his young career.

Washington could quickly become a key contributor on the Steelers' offense. The tight end's massive size and elite athleticism will draw a respectable amount of attention from opposing defenses but Washington could still find himself having a career year all around in 2025. The Steelers face Rodgers' former team to begin the season on Sunday as Pittsburgh will look to get off to a hot start.

Do you think Washington could emerge as a legitimate red zone threat this season? How do you think Rodgers will perform against his former team in Week 1? Let us know in the comments down below!

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