Steelers Fans Should Beware Of Concerning Change Coming To The Offense In 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers have an exciting season ahead of them in 2026 as there is going to be a ton of change from recent years. The new coaching staff should bring a refreshed look to all three phases of the game, and there is still a decent amount of talent on the roster despite the overall age of the group. There are some young players that are looking to take the next step, and that is going to be important for the overall success of the team. It is going to be on the new coaches to make sure that every player is being put in the right place to succeed.

One younger player looking to take the next step is tight end Darnell Washington. He is just one of three players from the 2023 draft class that have signed a contract extension so far as he inked a four-year deal worth $42 million. That makes him one of the highest-paid blocking tight ends in the league, and he is coming off of the best season of his career in 2025. He should continue to take steps forward in 2026, but it all depends on how he is going to be deployed on the offensive side of the ball.

Beat writer Mark Kaboly joined 93.7 The Fan on Monday morning and he discussed some of the extensions that have been given out by Pittsburgh and what those players might look like in 2026, and he had some concerns about Washington and how he might be used.

"Washington, I just don't know what that role is right now," Kaboly said. "He's playing some fullback, he's playing some tight end, they obviously like to throw the ball over the middle. I'm just curious to see how they use Washington because I don't know if it's going to be anywhere similar to how he was used last year."

Pat Freiermuth remains the team's starting tight end, and that is not going to change. He has proven he can be very good when actually involved in the game plan, which is something Head Coach Mike McCarthy will likely be sure to do. However, Washington was important in the passing game in 2025, and that should be the case again.

The Steelers ran a ton of 12 personnel (two tight ends) during the 2025 season, and the only reason to suggest Washington might take a step back in 2026 would be that the Steelers decrease the amount they use that personnel grouping. That could be the case as the wide receiver room is certainly stronger this season, which would probably mean less playing time for Washington in general.

Washington has also been taking snaps as a fullback, which is probably where he gets to show his strong suit the best. He is one of the best run blockers in the NFL, and him leading the way for a running back is something that should get the running game moving in the right direction. However, his role is going to largely determine his production.

Steelers Fixing The Wide Receiver Position Could Hurt Darnell Washington

Now that the Steelers have acquired Michael Pittman Jr. to pair with DK Metcalf, that would be the pair of receivers on the field if the offense were in 12 personnel. However, Roman Wilson taking a step forward and rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard showing some progress could make the offensive staff pretty confident to go into 11 personnel a good amount. This would more than likely hurt Washington as his snaps would diminish, but it would make the offense more interesting to watch. The Steelers can be more confident deploying different personnel groupings in 2026, which overall is an improvement, even if it might hurt the production of the tight end room.

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