Steelers' Darnell Washington Receives A Massive Update Prior To Matchup With Browns: "Difficult To Keep Off The Field"

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense features one of the better tight end rooms in all of football. They currently have Jonnu Smith, Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington as the top three tight ends on the roster, with Smith being one of the best tight ends in the entire NFL in 2024. Pittsburgh has yet to truly use any of the three to their full potential this season, but with Calvin Austin lll's status for Sunday's matchup up in the air, the team will turn to a number of different playmakers to perform at a higher level against the Cleveland Browns for Week 6.

Smith and Freiermuth could quickly see an increase in targets moving forward. Both tight ends are excellent playmakers who could thrive should they get the ball more consistently and could quickly become favorite targets at Aaron Rodgers' disposal. Washington has excelled this season as a blocker, and many believe that Washington has earned himself a legitimate role on the Steelers' offense for the remainder of the season.

ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler recently shared his thoughts on the current state of Pittsburgh's tight end room, as the reporter wrote about Washington's overwhelming success as a blocker throughout the first month of the 2025 NFL season.

"Tight end Darnell Washington played 48 snaps in the win over the Vikings in Dublin, well above Pat Freiermuth (15) and Jonnu Smith (13)," Fowler wrote. "The feeling in the building is that Washington is making himself difficult to keep off the field due to his blocking prowess."

Fowler continued to write about Smith and Freiermuth's playing time, as the insider believes both tight ends will be on the field more often in the near future.

"But Smith and Freiermuth were heavily featured together throughout camp and should get more playing time in future weeks. How Head Coach Mike Tomlin and play-caller Arthur Smith juggle tight end personnel -- and what they gleaned about the position during the bye -- will be critical," Fowler explained.

Fowler's comments are not surprising at all. Washington has been an excellent blocker to begin the year and can find himself becoming an elite red zone target should he further develop his connection with Rodgers. Freiermuth and Smith are too talented in the passing game to continuously leave off the field however, so playing time will continue to be a crucial focal point for the coaching staff.

Star wide receiver DK Metcalf is undoubtedly the top playmaker on the team offensively, but the Steelers' offense as a whole could thrive if Rodgers found his other targets more consistently. Pittsburgh will host the Browns on Sunday as Rodgers will have an excellent opportunity to target his tight ends throughout the entire matchup.

Steelers' Pat Freiermuth And Jonnu Smith Expected To Bounce Back

Austin left the game against the Minnesota Vikings with a shoulder injury in Week 4 and was unable to return. The talented playmaker would be greatly missed if he is unable to play on Sunday, but Smith and Freiermuth could quickly find themselves in prime position to see a target increase. Freiermuth currently has just seven catches on the year for 65 yards, but a big game on Sunday could quickly turn the talented playmaker's season around. Smith has one touchdown on the year that came in Week 1, but his usage has been limited to start the 2025 campaign as well. Coming off a Pro Bowl year in 2024, his snaps should increase regardless of Austin's availability moving forward.

The Steelers have one of the best tight end rooms in all of football and the offense as a whole could thrive should Smith and Freiermuth receive more targets. 

Would you like to see more of Washington on the field for Pittsburgh? Or for the Steelers to start utilizing Freiermuth and Smith more? Comment below!

#SteelerNation