The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ offense had a lot of question marks just a few weeks ago, but everything changed when Aaron Rodgersofficially announced he’s joining the team. With Rodgers now in Pittsburgh, the expectations surrounding the offense have taken a major turn. What was once seen as a unit in transition is now being talked about as one that could become a serious threat in 2025.
One player who stands to benefit from Rodgers’ arrival is tight end Darnell Washington. The Steelers drafted Washington for his elite blocking ability, and he has delivered in that area. Still, fans have been hoping to see him more involved in the passing game. Given his size and athleticism, many believe Washington has untapped potential as a receiving target, especially in the red zone.
Steelers insider Christopher Carter offered a promising update on Washington’s development during Friday’s episode of the Locked On Steelerspodcast. Carter said he left minicamp very inspired by the strides Washington has made this offseason. With Rodgers now under center and Washington showing clear improvement, there is real hope that the big tight end will take on a much larger role in 2025.
Since entering the NFL, Washington has been targeted just 35 times across his first two seasons—a surprisingly low number for a player with his rare combination of size, strength, and athleticism. He’s turned those targets into 26 receptions for 261 yards and a single touchdown, numbers that don’t reflect his full potential.
While some insiders have questioned whether Washington truly needs a bigger role in the passing game, others believe the Steelers have only scratched the surface of what he can offer. Fortunately for fans hoping to see more, Carter recently shared a promising update during minicamp, noting that Washington has made noticeable strides in his route running and overall polish as a receiver.
Washington’s potential in the passing attack hasn’t gone unnoticed by quarterbacks either. When Russell Wilson arrived in Pittsburgh ahead of the 2024 season, he was quick to highlight Washington’s physical tools and made a conscious effort to get him more involved.
Although the results didn’t dramatically boost Washington’s receiving numbers, it was clear there was growing trust between the quarterback and the towering tight end. Washington’s willingness to improve and his consistency as a blocker earned him increased respect within the locker room and positioned him for a bigger offensive role.
Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers Likely To Lean On Darnell Washington More In 2025
Now, with Rodgers taking over as the new leader of the Steelers offense, all eyes are on how the veteran quarterback will use Washington. Rodgers has a history of elevating tight ends with unique skill sets, and Washington fits that mold perfectly. When Rodgers first spoke with Washington, he gave the young tight end a significant boost of confidence. Rodgers told Washington he hadn’t seen a tight end with his unique combination of size and blocking ability since Marcedes Lewis, his longtime teammate in Green Bay.
