Darnell Washington is heading into his third year with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he’s yet to realize his full potential after two quiet statistical seasons. However, that could change in a big way heading into 2025. Washington’s new quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, is already speaking highly of him. The tight end is also starting to make a name for himself in training camp as well. Safety Miles Killebrew is the latest to sing his praises.
“Throw it up to big 80 [Washington], he’s like a human cheat code out there,” Killebrew said Sunday while speaking with Mike Prisuta after practice. “You know, you line him up, run a fade ball to him, I think it’s a hell of a play. I hope we get to see a lot of that this year.”
When the Steelers traded for Jonnu Smith late in the offseason, it seemed like things might be much more difficult for Washington. He didn’t make much of an impact in his first year under Arthur Smith, with just 19 receptions for 200 yards and one touchdown.
However, Smith is clearly interested in using his tight ends, especially in some unfamiliar ways. Earlier in training camp, Pittsburgh started experimenting with four-tight end sets. That included Pat Freiermuth, Smith, Washington and Connor Heyward all on the field. That’s something they went back to again on Sunday, according to our Alex Kozora.
Situations like these would help Washington make much more of an impact in the passing game. Behind Smith and Freiermuth on the depth chart, the more tight ends on the field at the same time, the better the chance of the ball heading Washington’s way.
Yet, while he might be the third tight end on the depth chart, he’s been proving himself all camp. Darnell Washington also managed to haul in a 26-yard reception from a different quarterback on Sunday in Mason Rudolph.
Earlier this offseason, Rodgers made a remark that Washington reminded him of one of his old tight ends, Marcedes Lewis. Washington and his massive frame are certainly comparable to Lewis, with whom Rodgers had some success. Now, Washington has even dropped some weight this offseason in hopes of being more agile.
Throughout his career, Rodgers has been able to elevate tight ends and receivers. If Washington can start to put it all together, his potential is through the roof. For a pass catcher, sometimes it takes the right quarterback to unlock that potential. Based on the chemistry Rodgers and Darnell Washington are already showing in camp, he may finally have that quarterback.
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