The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off of a big win against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The Steelers were underdogs going into the matchup and a large portion of the fan base was very skeptical going into the game due to the way things had gone over the previous two weeks, but the Steelers were able to come away with a statement win. Pittsburgh's defense took a step forward as the group was able to force six turnovers on the day and record five sacks. The Steelers needed that kind of a defensive performance, and the team got it while players on offense were able to step up.
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Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Tight end Darnell Washington has been more involved in the offense during the 2025 season than either of his prior seasons, and the tight end has been a force in the run game and passing game. He has always been a great run blocker, but now he is getting more involved and has proven to be one of Aaron Rodgers' favorite targets.
The tight end was thrown the ball six times in the game, and he caught four passes for 43 yards in the win. Team insider Mark Kaboly joined 93.7 The Fan on Monday, and he shared that he believes Washington has taken over the top tight end duties within the offense.
"He's tight end one now baby." Kaboly said.
Kaboly believes that Washington has taken over the tight end room for Pittsburgh, although he and Pat Freiermuth have both been listed as starters throughout the 2025 season. The Steelers use multiple tight ends at one of the highest rates in the league, as Jonnu Smith and Connor Heyward each have roles on offense as well.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' tight end Darnell Washington flexes in celebration after scoring a touchdown in a preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025.
The numbers back up what Kaboly is saying as Washington was on the field more than any other tight end on the Pittsburgh roster. That is because he is the best tight end when it comes to blocking and he is hard to bring down with the ball in his hands. Washington was on the field for 66 percent of the offensive snaps while both Freiermuth and Smith's snap shares were under 50 percent, and the big tight end also saw the most targets on the day.
Freiermuth and Smith were also both involved in the passing game as each tight end caught the ball three times and Freiermuth scored a touchdown. Washington might be tight end one, but that does not mean that the other tight ends are not going to be involved. It is arguably the most talented position the Steelers have, and the coaching staff does a good job of getting the entire room involved. Washington just happens to effective in both areas of the offense; therefore, he gets the most snaps.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers' Freiermuth Is Still Having A Productive Season Despite A Limited Role
Freiermuth has seen a decent drop off in playing time during the 2025 season, and that has a lot to do with the addition of Smith in the tight end room as well as the advancements the offense has made with Washington. This is the first season where Freiermuth is on pace to play less than 60 percent of the offensive snaps, as he currently sits at 49 percent through the team's first eight games.
Despite the drop off in his playing time he has still been making plays for the Steelers as he has found the end zone three times while recording over 220 yards. He has seen an uptick in targets over the last few weeks, which could mean an increased role throughout the rest of the year. The tight end got paid just ahead of the 2024 season, so it is good to see him finally producing in 2025.
What do you think about Washington being the tight end one in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments below!
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