The Pittsburgh Steelers are continuing to go through their 2026 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. As they do, they are getting ready to play their first preseason game this week. Head Coach Mike McCarthy and his staff are busy at work evaluating the roster as they will eventually have to get it cut down to 53 players. With the front office making several moves via free agency, plus a flurry of rookies taken in the 2026 NFL Draft, some tough decisions will need to be made. However, one player that will be on that roster recently mentioned the reason behind a big change.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy watches on during training camp practice on July 31, 2026.
Tight end Darnell Washington revealed that he was working to lose weight for the 2026 season. He is listed at 6'7" and 264 pounds, but he has personally admitted being closer to 310 pounds. However, as of late, the Pittsburgh tight end should no longer be going through stretches where he is playing at that weight of over 300 pounds.
The Georgia Bulldogs product joined the Deebo & Joe show on Monday, which was broadcasted live from training camp. During his appearance on the show, he opened up about the weight loss transformation that he has been going through. While discussing it, he revealed a critical detail during the 2025 NFL season that led to him wanting to make this change.
“Last year, at some times, I felt a little heavy,” Washington explained. “So personally, you know, I just want to have a different approach this year. My goal is by regular season to be a certain weight and keep trying to climb down and get where my body is feeling right for me.”
This admission from the veteran tight end is great news, especially as there could be an uptick in usage of the tight end position in 2026 (which includes teammate Pat Freiermuth). For an offense that struggled to move the ball consistently in 2025, a healthier Washington could provide a huge boost to the unit in the upcoming NFL season. Freiermuth was also recently mentioned as a guy that the team is looking to push the envelope with. Having an offensive-minded head coach in McCarthy and seeing these two security blankets getting increased volume in 2026 should provide a more dynamic look on offense for the Black and Gold.
Steelers Will Have Multiple Weapons On Offense In 2026
With Washington focused on getting his body in a more comfortable physical state for the upcoming season, he also could be one that the team looks to push the envelope with. Pittsburgh's additions of Michael Pittman Jr. via an offseason trade, plus the addition of Germie Bernard in the 2026 NFL Draft, should deepen the wide receiver room. Having those additions will now force opposing defenses to take some attention away from star wide receiver DK Metcalf as he gets set to enter his second year with the organization.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has also stated that this will be his final NFL season. With that in mind, big changes could be coming schematically on offense, as they will look to pull out all the stops to improve the unit and give the four-time NFL MVP a chance to thrive. With a new regime at the helm that starts with an offensive-minded coach, the change to Washington's frame could be dangerous for the opposition on Sundays. He has already provided some highlight reel runs against defenders, so a more athletic body makes him more versatile and scary on the field.
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Steelers' Darnell Washington runs through a drill during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in 2026.
For a unit that ranked 25th in the NFL in the 2025 season in total offense, they are looking at every avenue in which they can improve. With Washington working to get to a more comfortable playing weight, there could be some dynamic looks in 2026 where both him and Freiermuth are both frequently on the field at the same time. With many changes being anticipated under McCarthy for his first year in the Steel City, their massive tight end seems poised to have a breakout year.
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