Steelers' Offensive Weapon Reveals Real Problem With Past Quarterbacks

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been in quarterback purgatory ever since the end of the 2021 season when Ben Roethlisberger retired. He was the team's primary starting quarterback for 18 seasons, and the organization has just been applying Band-Aids at the position since his departure. The franchise tried to find a franchise quarterback by drafting Kenny Pickett in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but that did not end up working as he was traded after his second season. Pittsburgh has gone the veteran route in each of the last two seasons, and that has proved to be more fruitful while the organization patiently waits to land a franchise quarterback through the draft.

The Steelers had both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson as their quarterbacks during the 2024 season, and the organization decided to go with Aaron Rodgers in 2025. Rodgers has played well for the most part, and he has gotten certain weapons on offense involved more than they have been in recent years. This includes third-year tight end Darnell Washington, who has seen his production take a huge leap in 2025. He recently joined the St. Brown Podcast, where he spoke about what is different with Rodgers under center.

"Just the knowledge of the game, that's the first thing that sticks out to me about him," Washington said. "And just believing in me. Just my whole path, most quarterbacks, I ain't going to say they didn't believe in me or give me no shot, but him, he'll come up to me and be like, 'I trust you' and things like that. So that just builds confidence in me as a player and whatnot."

The young tight end is mostly known for his blocking ability and his massive size, and he wasn't featured too much in the passing game over his first two years in the NFL. That could have something to do with his confidence that has increased since Rodgers has come into the fold in Pittsburgh as he seems to have a different relationship with him than he has with other quarterbacks for the Steelers in the past.

Rodgers has gone out of his way to make sure that Washington knows he has all the trust in the world in him, which is something quarterbacks in the past have not done for Washington. His rookie year, he only caught seven passes, and that number jumped up in 2024 to 19 and he also recorded 200 yards and his first touchdown. He has essentially already matched that production in 2025, as he has caught 18 passes for 209 yards and a score.

Washington is a massive target, but he isn't a traditional tight end. When he gets the ball in his hands, he is extremely hard to bring down, which was evident against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11.

The tight end is an absolute weapon for the offense. The benefits of having him on the field in the running game have always been clear, but now he seems to be announcing himself as a true threat through the air. Rodgers trusts him, and the way he has already surpassed his production from recent years proves that.

Steelers' Darnell Washington Is A Key Factor In Winning Football Games

Since Washington has been in Pittsburgh, it seems the more he plays, the more likely it is that the Steelers will get a win. Different matchups and schematics vary on a week-to-week basis, but when Washington is playing over 50 percent of the snaps, Pittsburgh typically wins the game. This is because the run game is more efficient, and when he gets the football, he usually makes things happen and fights for extra yards.

What do you think about Washington's comments on Rodgers? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation